Islamabad: The National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Wednesday decided that the nationwide lockdown instituted for protection against the novel coronavirus outbreak would remain in effect till April 14, a news source reported.
As per the publication, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan chaired the NCC meeting and Minister for Planning Asad Umar informed the media about the decision. Special Assistant on National Security Moeed Yusuf and Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr. Zafar Mirza were also present during the media briefing.
Minster Umar revealed that all kinds of domestic flights would remain suspended until April 11, and that the decision to extend the lockdown beyond April 14 would be decided in the next NCC meeting. He added that the transportation of food items had been exempted from this rule, and that medicine stores would also remain open across the four provinces.
Additionally, special assistant Yusuf informed that about 2,000 nationals would be flown back to the country through several Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights that had been scheduled from April 3 to April 11. All Pakistanis returning to their homeland would be tested and screened for the novel coronavirus, he added.
