'Covid-19 continues to be a threat': Airlift says it will keep services suspended till September

Published August 11, 2020
"The situation regarding the pandemic remains uncertain," says Airlift. — Airlift/File
"The situation regarding the pandemic remains uncertain," says Airlift. — Airlift/File

Bus ride-hailing service Airlift announced on Tuesday that it had decided to keep its operations suspended during August and September, adding that Covid-19 "continues to be a threat" even as the country was easing virus restrictions.

In an email to customers, Airlift said they wanted to explain their decision to customers by providing visibility into why they had decided to keep operations suspended.

"Over the past few months, hundreds of thousands of individuals have been impacted with Covid-19 — many have lost their lives due to the pandemic.

"It is a well established fact that being in enclosed spaces exposes individuals to a high risk of contracting the virus.

"Although the number of new cases in Pakistan has reduced in the past few weeks, the risk of infection still remains high and may threaten the health and safety of our customers," it said, adding that in their opinion, travelling in buses was not safe for passengers in the current environment.

"The situation regarding the pandemic remains uncertain. In other countries, we are seeing subsequent waves."

Airlift added that it would revisit its decision on October 1. "Please note that we are excited to serve our passengers once the situation stabilises," the email concluded.

Last week, the government had announced it was lifting restrictions on the tourism sector, restaurants and public transport, after months of suspension.

The decisions were made during a meeting of the National Coordination Committee, which was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by representatives of all the provinces. The meeting participants also decided to lift restrictions on railways, airlines and metro buses.

However, restrictions on the number of people allowed to travel by trains, planes and buses and the mandatory gap between the passengers will remain in place till September. These will be lifted by October if the situation allows.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...