ICUs full as second wave of coronavirus grips Pakistan

Several doctors say that hospitals are having to turn away suspected COVID-19 patients, with the potential for a major health care crisis increasing daily; opposition urged to avoid holding public meetings

- Tariq Butt

ISLAMABAD

The Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across Pakistan are nearing capacity as a second, deadlier wave of the coronavirus builds momentum and officials struggle to counter public indifference to the pandemic.

Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar feared that Pakistan might face the worst coronavirus situation after two weeks if preventive measures were not strictly adhered to.

“We experienced a peak in COVID-19 cases in June and if we do not follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), we may face the worst situation in the next two weeks,” he told reporters.

“As many as 1,750 people are on oxygen or ventilators in the county, but in June 3,400 were on ventilators. If we do not care, the worst situation can occur,” Umar warned.

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has made important decisions endorsing a decision of the education minister regarding educational institutions, ban on indoor dining in restaurants and public gatherings, strict implementation of SOPs and engaging religious scholars for observance of SOPs in mosques.