A morning session of the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) was informed that a consignment of 500,000 doses of the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine from China would reach the country today.

Chaired by Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, the meeting deliberated on proposed lockdowns in cities with high prevalence of the disease if cases continued to rise or critical care facilities were overwhelmed, a press release stated.

"The forum decided to extend the two-day ban on inter-provincial transport (on Saturdays and Sundays) till May 17. It was also decided to allow walk-in facility to 60 years plus aged citizens," the statement said.

It added that the decision on lockdowns would be taken after discussion amongst all stakeholders and the purpose would be to contain the spread of the coronavirus through implementation of SOPs.

A few of the proposed restrictions would include closure of markets, malls and less essential services, a ban on inter-city public transport and complete closure of education institutions. It added that assistance to law enforcement agencies would be provided by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Pakistan Rangers where requested by provincial governments.

"A detailed briefing was also conducted on supply of oxygen to healthcare facilities. A total of 6,901 beds have been inducted to meet the increased requirements due to surge in Covid cases. Oxygen supply is also being critically monitored."