ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has once appealed the nation to fully follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to avoid the spread of Covid-19 in the winter season.

He made the remarks following chairing a meeting of National Coordination Committee on Covid-19 in Islamabad today.

Alluding to the rising cases of virus in the country with occupancy of beds in hospitals reaching almost forty percent across the country, the Prime Minister said the chances of the spread of the virus can be limited by only covering the face.

He warned if the current trend of the virus persisted, it would put our hospitals, doctors and healthcare staff under tremendous pressure.

Imran Khan said the opposition parties are holding public gatherings which increase the chances of the spread of the pandemic. He said by holding the gatherings, the opposition cannot put him or the government under pressure but they are putting the lives of people at risk.

He advised the opposition to postpone their gatherings for two to three months for the protection of lives of people.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the wedding halls, restaurants and schools have been shut down as part of efforts to control the pandemic. He said we have also taken the religious scholars on board to ensure compliance of SOPs at the mosques.

Imran Khan recalled that the nation fully observed the SOPs and demonstrated great discipline during the first wave of the virus which saved the country from its devastating effects witnessed in a neighbouring country. He said we need to observe the same precaution now to protect the lives and livelihoods.