NEW DELHI, April 24: The number of COVID-19 positive cases in Pakistan can rise to 200,000 by mid-July if “effective interventions” are not taken, the World Health Organization warned as it estimated the magnitude of the disease in the upcoming days.
WHO Chief Dr Tedros Adhanom made the comment at the launch of the Pakistan National Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan virtual conference.
“Without effective interventions there could be an estimated 200K+ cases by mid-July. The impacts on the economy could be devastating, doubling the number of people living in poverty. We must act in solidarity, with a coherent, coordinated approach,” WHO quoted Tedros as saying.
There have been reports that some prayer leaders and elders of various areas have refused to abide by the SOPs issued by the district administration and the police during Ramazan and vowed to organise Taraweeh prayers in congregations, media reports said.-Agencies