Prime Minister Imran Khan has once appealed the nation to fully follow theStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to avoid the spread of Covid-19 in thewinter season.

He made the remarks following chairing a meeting of National CoordinationCommittee on Covid-19 in Islamabad today.

Alluding to the rising cases of virus in the country with occupancy of bedsin hospitals reaching almost forty percent across the country, the PrimeMinister said the chances of the spread of the virus can be limited by onlycovering the face.

He warned if the current trend of the virus persisted, it would put ourhospitals, doctors and healthcare staff under tremendous pressure.

Imran Khan said the opposition parties are holding public gatherings whichincrease the chances of the spread of the pandemic. He said by holding thegatherings, the opposition cannot put him or the government under pressurebut they are putting the lives of people at risk.

He advised the opposition to postpone their gatherings for two to threemonths for the protection of lives of people.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the wedding halls, restaurants andschools have been shut down as part of efforts to control the pandemic. Hesaid we have also taken the religious scholars on board to ensurecompliance of SOPs at the mosques.

Imran Khan recalled that the nation fully observed the SOPs anddemonstrated great discipline during the first wave of the virus whichsaved the country from its devastating effects witnessed in a neighbouringcountry. He said we need to observe the same precaution now to protect thelives and livelihoods.