Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the government has decided to gradually ease the lockdown in the coming days, keeping in view the economic situation and problems of the common man.
The lockdown imposed in the wake of COVID-19 affected a large population including the low-income group, daily wagers, and laborers therefore they have decided to lift the restrictions gradually.
Addressing the volunteers of Corona Relief Tiger Force, the prime minister said,
We have to gradually open the lockdown because people have been badly affected by it and have become redundant.
He said that for relief efforts and to create awareness among the masses about precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the virus, the Tiger Force will work together with the administration.
The PM noted that SOPs for different sectors are being prepared to ease the restrictions and in this situation, the role of the volunteer force will gain immense importance as they have to ensure implementation of SOPs to avert the spread of the contagion.
The prime minister said that this will help the government to get the economy going and provide job opportunities to the people.
Imran Khan said,
We have to save the people from the pandemic as well as starvation and the services of Tiger Force are required to strike a balance in the economic activity and the lockdown.
He urged the volunteers to also keep an eye on those engaged in hoarding and if they discover any such activity, provide information to the district administration for further action.
He also asked the volunteer Tiger Force to visit Utility Stores across the country to ensure social distancing and also check the availability of essential items at the Utility Stores outlets as well as their working.
Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar said the Corona Relief Tiger Force of one million volunteers would work under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Office and in coordination with the district administration.
He said all the volunteers will be provided with digital codes and a special mobile application for the assignment of their duties in different areas as per requirement by the district administration.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza said 17,000 people in the Tiger Force were related directly or indirectly to the health services, including 1,800 doctors, nurses, and other paramedical staff.
He said the health professionals in the Tiger Force will also help the government in the implementation of its Trace, Track and Quarantine policy.
