ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr. Zafar Mirza on Friday urged people not to let their guard down against coronavirus, as the number of cases and deaths could increase in the country in coming days.

“Situation regarding availability of ventilators and beds across the country is under control,” he said while briefing media in Islamabad.

The special assistant said 18 to 20 percent out of total number of ventilators were in use at the moment.

He said National Command and Operation Centre was closely watching the situation and would adopt strategy accordingly in consultation with various stakeholders.

Dr. Zafar Mirza said people could not grasp the situation regarding lockdown. He said a new instruction guide had been issued for the people who die of corona.

“There has been no evidence so far of transmission of coronavirus from dead body. Persons handling the dead body should adopt all precautionary measures, including use of personal protective equipment,” he said.

Dr Zafar Mirza said testing during Eid holidays was slow, but is again gaining momentum. He said 35 percent people in Pakistan have totally been recovered of this disease out of 64, 000 patients.

He said 2636 cases were reported in 24 hours in Pakistan. He apprised that his ministry had devised such a system which could inform public about situation of hospitals.