Coronavirus scare: Govt extends lockdown across country till April 14: Umar

• Umar says decision has been taken keeping in view the analysis and data regarding deaths and and number of affected patients.
• The government has decided to allow a special flight on April 4 to bring back stranded Pakistani citizens from other countries: Umar.
• Zafar Mirza says 82 people have so far recovered from the deadly virus.

(Karachi) Planning Minister Asad Umar has said that the restrictions imposed across the country by the government to counter spread of coronavirus will continue till April 14.

Addressing media briefing in Islamabad on Wednesday after attending the National Coordination Committee meeting, Umar said that the decision has been taken keeping in view the analysis and data regarding deaths and and number of affected patients.

He maintained that the situation regarding coronavirus has improved after imposing restrictions in the country. “Lockdown throughout the country is bearing fruit as number of cases would have been much higher if containment steps were not taken in a timely manner,” he said.

Umar said that the government has decided to allow a special flight on April 4 to bring back stranded Pakistani citizens from other countries.

He pointed out that the flight will land in Islamabad and all the passengers will be tested and quarantined.

He said the passengers will be allowed to leave after they test negative for coronavirus. "The operations of domestic flights will remain suspended," he said.

On the occasion, Special Assistant to PM for Health Zafar Mirza said that 21 per cent people suffering from coronavirus have  recovered. "At least, 24 people have tested negative for the novel coronavirus after being infected by it before during the last 24 hours."

Mirza said the  total number of people who recovered from the disease is 82. He said of those affected by coronavirus, 10 people are in critical condition.

PM’s aid on National Security Moeed Yusuf said 17 PIA planes will be dispatched to different parts of the world to bring back 2,000 stranded Pakistanis.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government has also decided to extend lockdown in the province till April 14. The decision was taken in the Corona task Force meeting.