Asad Umar Announces the Gradual Reopening of Businesses as Positivity Rate Declines

Asad Umar, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, stated on Monday that the current Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has decided to gradually reopen the business activities across the country, following a decline in the positivity rate.

The Minister, who is also the Chief of the National Command and Operating Center (NCOC), informed that the positivity rate was previously 10-11% but, has now fallen to 4%.

While talking to the media in the capital city of the country regarding the coronavirus situation, he commended the relevant authorities of the government that took necessary and timely decisions to curb the rise of the virus. He added that the deadly contagion that had previously surpassed dangerous levels, was now steadily declining. 

However, he still warned the masses to observe the necessary precautions, as the country is not out of the woods yet. 

The NCOC Chief further revealed that the positivity rate had dropped to 4.5% before coming down to a little over 4%. It is still high in Sindh and will need to be managed with a great deal of care. According to him, Pakistan did not suffer the pandemic much like other countries located nearby but stressed upon the need to exercise great caution. 

Asad went on to discuss returning to life as per the norm, saying that one of the top ways to achieve that is through vaccinations. He maintained that the relevant authorities are working hard to ensure that a large number of people are vaccinated as quickly as possible.

As per the Federal Minister, a positive trend is being witnessed in those countries that have reported administering the vaccinations to a large chunk of the population. In his words, the citizens in these countries are progressing towards normal life as the rate of infection declines.  

The NCOC Chief revealed that Pakistan has so far administered the vaccination to more than 7 million people. He announced that the government hopes to vaccinate no less than 70 million people before the year is out.