COVID-19 situation: Provincial govts devising strategies in line with doctors' recommendations, says Awan

• Awan says it is need of the hour to  implement 20-point plan agreed with ulema.
• People have failed to follow guidelines set by the government and realize the seriousness of the situation: Special assistant.
• Firdous says PM urged all political leaders to refrain from doing politics on coronavirus situation but some politicians continue to do so.

(Karachi) Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the provincial governments are devising strategies to incorporate recommendations of doctors related to novel coronavirus.

Addressing a media briefing in Sialkot on Sunday, she said, "Doctors are our most important soldiers in fight against coronavirus." She added, "The government has to ensure protection of doctors and provide them a conducive environment for work."

Awan said that it is need of the hour to  implement 20-point plan agreed with ulema. She maintained, "The government will utilize all resources to ensure mosques do not become virus hotspots."

She pointed out that people have failed to follow guidelines set by the government and realize the seriousness of the situation. She said the disease poses a vital threat to lives of the citizens.

The special assistant expressed disappointment over the fact that people are not exercising social distancing despite repeated appeals by government and doctors.

The prime minister's aide criticised Leader of the Opposition and PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif who termed the delay of two weeks in the report on the wheat and sugar crises a "joint effort".

She said that the PM urged all political leaders to refrain from doing politics on coronavirus situation but some politicians continue to do so. She said, "Shehbaz Sharif has socially distanced himself in the political arena and is issuing comments against the premier forcing us to respond to."

She added that no government can defeat such a big challenge unless the government and opposition unite for the sake of the people.

Regarding profiteering, she said the government is taking strict action against profiteers and hoarders.