Not necessary to follow WHO recommendations: Zafar Mirza

ISLAMABAD - Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that it was not necessary to follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

While responding to a letter by WHO regarding enforcement of lockdown in the country, he said that the recommendation of imposing 14 days lockdown after every two weeks was not under consideration.

“Government has made a planned strategy to deal with Coronavirus. We do have an option of lockdown but people are advised to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for now. It is impossible to defeat Coronavirus without changing attitudes,” said Zafar Mirza.

The Special Assistant pointed out that the non-operational sectors would continue to remain closed, saing that the government knew what was in the best interest of people.

“Cases of Coronavirus will increase in the coming days. Lockdown may take place if situation deteriorates further,” he said adding that that there is enough capacity in the province's hospitals to deal with Covid-19 patients,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the WHO, through a letter, urged Pakistan to observe complete lockdown after every two weeks for 14 days, as the country achieves grim milestone of 100,000 Covid-19 cases.