We can control spread of coronavirus if people start following SOPs: PM

(Karachi) Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that if people start following SOPs, we can still control spread of the disease which is spreading at a fast pace.

Addressing the Tigers Force volunteers on coronavirus situation on Friday, he said, "By taking precautionary measures, we can save ourselves from passing through hard times."

He said Pakistan is the first Muslim state that started registration of Corona Relief Tigers Force in wake of the increasing cases.

He added the volunteers of the force will advice people to implement on SOPs and guidelines to curb spread of the disease. "The main aim of Tigers Force is to create awareness among people about corona and also to help local administration fight locust attack."

The prime minister mentioned that force volunteers will also be included in Clean and Green Pakistan campaign. "We will deploy Tigers Force at utility stores to control price hike of essential commodities," he said.

Imran Khan maintained, "The virus will spread, you can't stop that. You can lock people up in their rooms and that would slow the spread but it will not end it."

"1,700 deaths have so far been reported in Pakistan. We have to understand corona is a virus that spreads when people gather so that is why we need to maintain social distancing," he said. "I will give you instructions every day. We will regularly give instructions on what you need to do, what the hotspots are and we will guide you."

He said 0.10 million volunteers got themselves registered in the Tigers Force.

The prime minister said the government decided to utilize Tigers Force volunteers to spread awareness among the people about coronavirus due to the rising number of fatalities and cases in the country.

He pointed out that the government cannot go for a complete lockdown under current circumstances as it will affect the poor community and economy of the country. "It is likely that the government will close corona hot spot areas in coming days," he said.

The PM highlighted that country's tax revenue reduced by Rs800 billion due to coronavirus pandemic.