ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar has said that the pace of spread of Covid-19 could increase if precautionary measures are not taken seriously and the number of coronavirus patients could reach at 1 to 1.2 million by the end of next month (July).

Addressing a news conference at National Command and Operation Centre, here on Sunday, the minister said that total cases in the country have reached closer to 150,000 which are likely to increase two fold by the end of this month. He said that by the end of next month, the same number could increase to reach at 1 to 1.2 million cases.

He said that slightly more than 2,000 people across the country are in oxygen beds at the moment. The federal government will ensure enhancing delivery of these beds in all four provinces, as well as the federal capital. He said 2,150 oxygen beds would be provided to the provinces by end of next month.

The minister said the testing capacities are also being enhanced. He said now 30,000 tests are being held on daily basis which were just around 500 when the first cases were reported. He said in next four to six weeks, the testing capacity is expected to increase to 150,000.

He said there is drastic need to take actions at social as well as individual levels in the country. He said wearing masks is mandatory for slowing down the spread of Coronavirus. He said some studies suggest that the pace of corona spread could decrease by fifty percent by covering the mouth alone. Second keeping social distancing is of equal importance, he said.

The minister said administrative actions are being taken to protect the people from this disease. He said shops, transports and individuals have been fined who were not following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He warned that such actions will increase now.

He said keeping lockdowns for long term is not feasible as the world has also realized it now. He said that the Prime Minister is always of the view that Covid-19 could be controlled by precautionary measures.

The minister said the Punjab government would announce today (Sunday) the strategy for actions in areas which are hotbeds of the disease. He said federal government will assist the Punjab government in smart lockdowns to curtail the spread of disease.