The Pakistan cabinet has approved easing the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in the country gradually after May 9, provided that strict implementation of the coronavirus-related preventive measures suggested by the government was ensured.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan decided that smallbusinesses and transport to some extent should be reopened so that these peoplecould have a chance to earn,” Dawn news reported on Wednesday citingInformation Minister ShibliFaraz as saying at a post-cabinet meeting pressconference.
He said Khan, however, warned that threat from the viraldisease was not over and could strike again if the government’s standardoperating procedures (SOPs) were not followed.
“The Prime Minister was of the view that the situationcan turn worse if SOPs are not implemented and followed after soft opening ofbusinesses and industries,” Faraz added.
The government is going to open more businesses and sectorsdespite a surge in COVID-19 cases that has now reached 23,655 with 544 deathsin the country.Punjab and Sindh, the two worst-hit provinces,have also announced some relaxation in lockdown by allowing reopening of fewbusinesses like garment/cloth, shoes, automobile and spare parts.