- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
-
Contact the PP Team
Coronavirus in Pakistan
- Thread starter Abdullah719
- Start date
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
11pc Pakistanis have developed protective immunity: study
ISLAMABAD: A study conducted in 25 cities shows that almost 11 per cent of Pakistanis have developed protective immunity across the country against coronavirus.
The “National Seroprevalence Study” was initiated in July this year by the Health Services Academy in collaboration with multiple partners, including Aga Khan University, and with technical support from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It is part of the WHO Unity Study being conducted simultaneously in 25 other countries, the Ministry of National Health Services said in a statement on Thursday.
Seroprevalence studies are carried out with an objective to assess as to what percentage of population has developed protective immunity (antibodies) to the virus.
“The seropositivity was more in urban areas compared to rural areas; similarly those who had contact with Covid-19 positive person were more likely to have antibodies in their blood,” the study stated.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1575607/11pc-pakistanis-have-developed-protective-immunity-study
ISLAMABAD: A study conducted in 25 cities shows that almost 11 per cent of Pakistanis have developed protective immunity across the country against coronavirus.
The “National Seroprevalence Study” was initiated in July this year by the Health Services Academy in collaboration with multiple partners, including Aga Khan University, and with technical support from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
It is part of the WHO Unity Study being conducted simultaneously in 25 other countries, the Ministry of National Health Services said in a statement on Thursday.
Seroprevalence studies are carried out with an objective to assess as to what percentage of population has developed protective immunity (antibodies) to the virus.
“The seropositivity was more in urban areas compared to rural areas; similarly those who had contact with Covid-19 positive person were more likely to have antibodies in their blood,” the study stated.
It reveals that the population of urban areas and people up to middle age are more protected against the disease. However, population in rural areas and senior citizens are at highest risk from a possible second wave of the deadly virus.
The virus was more common in young adults and significantly less in children and older people. It was also found out in the study that the use of mask and frequent hand-washing in July was up to approximately 60pc and 70pc of population, respectively. This finding underscores the importance and success of the awareness campaigns carried out in earlier months.
The study suggests that areas with lower immunity rates may be at higher risk for future outbreaks. “Hence there is a need for enhanced sentinel site surveillance and ramping up of health facilities for Covid-19 treatment particularly in rural districts.”
Talking to Dawn, microbiologist Prof Dr Javed Usman said detection of antibodies in 11pc population was much less than his expectations as it meant that Pakistan was still far away from the concept of herd immunity.
“The concept of herd immunity arises if antibodies are developed in over 50pc population. Although 22 million people have been infected with the virus, it does not mean that all of them needed medical treatment as it is called ‘Sub-Clinical Infection’ in which patients may have minor symptoms or no symptoms. We know that in Pakistan a large number of people are asymptomatic. However, study shows that 89pc of population have no exposure to virus and they can be infected in second wave of virus,” he said.
Prof Usman said that the ratio of antibodies also depended on the sensitivity of testing, but 89pc people were still vulnerable to the deadly virus.
A health expert, who played a role in the study, said on condition of anonymity that the health ministry had shared preliminary findings and a number of findings would be shared within three to four weeks.
“There were around 80 variables of the study as primary target was to find the percentage of antibodies in the masses. Other targets were to identify that which age group was vulnerable, identify the ratio of cases in rural and urban areas and small and big cities, people of which profession were more vulnerable, what kind of symptoms were in them and if people were following the precautionary measures and wearing masks,” he said.
He said that one of the findings was that the initially people were strictly following the standard operating procedures (SOPs), but later they stopped doing that.
“It was also a finding that the media campaign was very successful and there is a need to launch another media campaign so that people again start following the SOPs. It is also suggested that such study will be conducted after every two months,” he said.
In reply to a question, the health expert said that the sample size should not be considered as the confidence interval of study was 95pc due to so many variables. He said the vaccines will be given to the most vulnerable segments of society and in most vulnerable areas, identified through the study.
Meanwhile, the federal government has fast-tracked the process for provision of Covid-19 vaccine as soon as it is available.
“An expert committee had been tasked under the auspices of National Covid-19 Vaccine Committee with working on finalising recommendations for provision of the vaccine and its deployment in the country. The committee’s recommendations shall be submitted to the prime minister this month,” the Ministry of National Health Services said.
“Six out of 10 vaccines currently being developed by leading global manufacturers are undergoing phase-3 trials. The committee has recommended engagement with Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation for support in procurement through co-financing. It has also been recommended to the government to arrange finances for the purpose. Also among the recommendations is enhanced collaboration with China including in clinical trials of the vaccine and efforts towards indigenous manufacturing of the vaccine,” the ministry said.
The virus was more common in young adults and significantly less in children and older people. It was also found out in the study that the use of mask and frequent hand-washing in July was up to approximately 60pc and 70pc of population, respectively. This finding underscores the importance and success of the awareness campaigns carried out in earlier months.
The study suggests that areas with lower immunity rates may be at higher risk for future outbreaks. “Hence there is a need for enhanced sentinel site surveillance and ramping up of health facilities for Covid-19 treatment particularly in rural districts.”
Talking to Dawn, microbiologist Prof Dr Javed Usman said detection of antibodies in 11pc population was much less than his expectations as it meant that Pakistan was still far away from the concept of herd immunity.
“The concept of herd immunity arises if antibodies are developed in over 50pc population. Although 22 million people have been infected with the virus, it does not mean that all of them needed medical treatment as it is called ‘Sub-Clinical Infection’ in which patients may have minor symptoms or no symptoms. We know that in Pakistan a large number of people are asymptomatic. However, study shows that 89pc of population have no exposure to virus and they can be infected in second wave of virus,” he said.
Prof Usman said that the ratio of antibodies also depended on the sensitivity of testing, but 89pc people were still vulnerable to the deadly virus.
A health expert, who played a role in the study, said on condition of anonymity that the health ministry had shared preliminary findings and a number of findings would be shared within three to four weeks.
“There were around 80 variables of the study as primary target was to find the percentage of antibodies in the masses. Other targets were to identify that which age group was vulnerable, identify the ratio of cases in rural and urban areas and small and big cities, people of which profession were more vulnerable, what kind of symptoms were in them and if people were following the precautionary measures and wearing masks,” he said.
He said that one of the findings was that the initially people were strictly following the standard operating procedures (SOPs), but later they stopped doing that.
“It was also a finding that the media campaign was very successful and there is a need to launch another media campaign so that people again start following the SOPs. It is also suggested that such study will be conducted after every two months,” he said.
In reply to a question, the health expert said that the sample size should not be considered as the confidence interval of study was 95pc due to so many variables. He said the vaccines will be given to the most vulnerable segments of society and in most vulnerable areas, identified through the study.
Meanwhile, the federal government has fast-tracked the process for provision of Covid-19 vaccine as soon as it is available.
“An expert committee had been tasked under the auspices of National Covid-19 Vaccine Committee with working on finalising recommendations for provision of the vaccine and its deployment in the country. The committee’s recommendations shall be submitted to the prime minister this month,” the Ministry of National Health Services said.
“Six out of 10 vaccines currently being developed by leading global manufacturers are undergoing phase-3 trials. The committee has recommended engagement with Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation for support in procurement through co-financing. It has also been recommended to the government to arrange finances for the purpose. Also among the recommendations is enhanced collaboration with China including in clinical trials of the vaccine and efforts towards indigenous manufacturing of the vaccine,” the ministry said.
finalfantasy7
First Class Star
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2011
- Runs
- 3,256
Bangladesh should overtake us by tomorrow - in confirmed cases - yet Bangladesh active is still increasing - sitting roughly at 113,884.
Pak we should go down to 16th place
Pak we should go down to 16th place
Syed1
ODI Captain
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2015
- Runs
- 46,041
- Post of the Week
- 3
Can't believe how IND and BD have it soooo bad compared to us. Same people, same weather, same level of literacy/poverty etc. Yet the numbers are a world apart.
finalfantasy7
First Class Star
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2011
- Runs
- 3,256
All I can think off is that both are deemed as more densely populated - especially in cities - I understand india is as densely as we are - but it was always going to explode more in cities like delhi, Mumbai, hyerabad and then they have thr slums - which as much they have declared it wasn't bad - we know that's a lie.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Nervesofsteel
Debutant
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2020
- Runs
- 139
I don't think there is anyone who understands why or how Pakistan has contained Covid-19.
last_knight
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2012
- Runs
- 6,461
Major
Test Star
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Runs
- 36,255
- Post of the Week
- 7
Probably due to the tb vaccines have had an effect
King-Misbah
First Class Player
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2017
- Runs
- 2,799
Yes, no mention of government policies bearing frutation, this includes the track, trace system implemented, more then adequate PPE equipment and balance the weak economy.
BreadPakoda
First Class Captain
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2018
- Runs
- 5,452
Some one needs to study this in-depth. Could be helpful for the rest of the world.
Major
Test Star
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Runs
- 36,255
- Post of the Week
- 7
TB vaccines were given out to the awam in 1980s and 90s in was i think mandatory so it might have played a part
what track and trace system bhai?
Let me give you an example of the flawed track and trace system
There is a place in islamabad called ghouri town. They were suppose to have lockdown, it was announced. Most of the people went out before hand to do their shopping, some went to their relatives house to live while their town was in lockdown. The ones that did their shopping got back in just in time.
these are the ground realities.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-53879548
292,000 total cases is likely an underestimate as not every patient has been tested - however the number of deaths from positive cases have fallen too which is an encouraging sign.
Syed1
ODI Captain
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2015
- Runs
- 46,041
- Post of the Week
- 3
Even one death is too many but Alhumdulilah deaths down to 4 today.
However, Punjab, Baluchistan governments and DC Islamabad have warned of a second wave in the next 15 days. Maybe they are seeing something we aren't seeing yet. May Allah have His mercy.
However, Punjab, Baluchistan governments and DC Islamabad have warned of a second wave in the next 15 days. Maybe they are seeing something we aren't seeing yet. May Allah have His mercy.
Arham_PakFan
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2015
- Runs
- 12,858
Like many others, I'm genuinely shocked that we somehow were able to keep this under (relative) control.
That's not to say that what did happen was devastating.
I personally know around 30 people who had COVID-19. My friend's dad sadly passed away , but the others made full recoveries.
That's not to say that what did happen was devastating.
I personally know around 30 people who had COVID-19. My friend's dad sadly passed away , but the others made full recoveries.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Pakistan has recorded its lowest number of daily deaths since March, the Associated Press news agency reports.
On Sunday, the country's National Command and Control Center said there had been four deaths and 591 new infections in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to more than 292,000, with 6,235 fatalities.
It's a big change from June, when health facilities in Pakistan's major cities appeared to be at risk of becoming overwhelmed.
Now, however, life appears to be returning to normal.
On Sunday, the country's National Command and Control Center said there had been four deaths and 591 new infections in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to more than 292,000, with 6,235 fatalities.
It's a big change from June, when health facilities in Pakistan's major cities appeared to be at risk of becoming overwhelmed.
Now, however, life appears to be returning to normal.
Nervesofsteel
Debutant
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2020
- Runs
- 139
Exactly. The government can claim it's due to smart lockdowns & track & trace system but ground realities are different. I've been consistently in touch with a bunch of family members in Sialkot, Lahore & Gujranwala & life has been operating as normal for over a month now. My cousin, she owns a beauty parlor in Gulberg in Lahore & she has been operating normally for over 6 weeks now..
But the government officially allowed beauty Parlors to open in the first week of August.
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very encouraging results of Smart Sampling after Eid ul azha<br><br>Samples collected = 59,815<br>Positive = 95<br>Positivity % = 0.16 %<br><br>Note: All were PCR tests <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabCoronavirusUpdate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabCoronavirusUpdate</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabFightsCorona?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/1tpIUTi62F">https://t.co/1tpIUTi62F</a> <a href="https://t.co/85Ei7NVEvu">pic.twitter.com/85Ei7NVEvu</a></p>— Azhar Mashwani (@MashwaniAzhar) <a href="https://twitter.com/MashwaniAzhar/status/1297471650556981250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
last_knight
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2012
- Runs
- 6,461
I think there is no secret and reason for warning is very obvious.
Almost 1 Million tourists ( mostly without following the SOPs) have visited Swat Kaghan Vallies and Murree since 14th August. That explains warnings from Punjab and Islamabad Authorities.
For Balochistan I think warning is due to Muharram and Zaireen Traffic.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Pakistan's active cases fall to four-month low
Latest figures from Pakistan show the country has 8,934 active cases of coronavirus - the lowest since April 24, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Asad Hashim.
Pakistan recorded an additional 450 cases on Monday and 11 deaths.
It carried out 24,231 tests with a positivity rate of 1.87 percent.
Latest figures from Pakistan show the country has 8,934 active cases of coronavirus - the lowest since April 24, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Asad Hashim.
Pakistan recorded an additional 450 cases on Monday and 11 deaths.
It carried out 24,231 tests with a positivity rate of 1.87 percent.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
The Viper
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2018
- Runs
- 6,865
KP reports 62 Covid-19 cases
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department has reported 62 coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours, taking the provincial total to 35,893.
No new deaths have been reported in the province for the past four days. However, one more death from mid-August has been added to the tally, taking it to 1,249, the health department said.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department has reported 62 coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours, taking the provincial total to 35,893.
No new deaths have been reported in the province for the past four days. However, one more death from mid-August has been added to the tally, taking it to 1,249, the health department said.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Lonewarrior
First Class Star
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2016
- Runs
- 3,416
so whats happening to Covid cases in Pakistan ? whats the situation ? i mean did they find out how the cases trajectory falls ?
last_knight
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2012
- Runs
- 6,461
Numbers from yesterday, 319 New cases and 1 death.
Nervesofsteel
Debutant
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2020
- Runs
- 139
I was shocked when I read that number. I live in Canada and we had more cases than 319 in a day. Shocking stuff.
Lonewarrior
First Class Star
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2016
- Runs
- 3,416
I think China gve us the vaccine secretly .... lol
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Pakistan recorded 264 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the 24 hours leading to Sunday, its lowest daily infections since April while COVID-19-related deaths — four in the same period — remained in the single digits for the second consecutive day.
According to the government’s official COVID-19 portal, Pakistan has recorded a total of 295,636 confirmed infections since late February. Of those, 280,547 — nearly 95% — have beaten the disease. Over the past 24 hours, there were 207 recoveries.
Sindh recorded the greatest number of cases, 129,268, followed by Punjab (96,741), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (36,017), Islamabad Capital Territories (15,611), Balochistan (12,842), Gilgit-Baltistan (2,863) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (2,294).
As of Sunday, there are 8,801 active cases across the country. The country’s COVID-19 death toll stands at 6,288.
Yesterday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) urged people to adhere to government advice to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during Muharram majalis and processions.
The forum said while COVID-19’s spread has declined, its threat of coronavirus is “still lingering” which could only be contained through the public’s cooperation and adherence to health guidelines. The NCOC said observing standard operating procedures is the only way to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/305206-pakistan-records-lowest-daily-covid-19-cases-since-april
According to the government’s official COVID-19 portal, Pakistan has recorded a total of 295,636 confirmed infections since late February. Of those, 280,547 — nearly 95% — have beaten the disease. Over the past 24 hours, there were 207 recoveries.
Sindh recorded the greatest number of cases, 129,268, followed by Punjab (96,741), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (36,017), Islamabad Capital Territories (15,611), Balochistan (12,842), Gilgit-Baltistan (2,863) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (2,294).
As of Sunday, there are 8,801 active cases across the country. The country’s COVID-19 death toll stands at 6,288.
Yesterday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) urged people to adhere to government advice to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during Muharram majalis and processions.
The forum said while COVID-19’s spread has declined, its threat of coronavirus is “still lingering” which could only be contained through the public’s cooperation and adherence to health guidelines. The NCOC said observing standard operating procedures is the only way to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/305206-pakistan-records-lowest-daily-covid-19-cases-since-april
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Pakistan reports lowest daily COVID-19 cases
Pakistan’s daily number of COVID-19 infections continued to drop as authorities reported 213 additional cases, the lowest daily figure since May.
The total number of infections to date reached 295,849, with 603 patients in critical condition, according to the health ministry data.
The data also shows a gradual decline in the number of fatalities, with six more deaths from the disease across the country, raising the death toll to 6,294.
Pakistan’s daily number of COVID-19 infections continued to drop as authorities reported 213 additional cases, the lowest daily figure since May.
The total number of infections to date reached 295,849, with 603 patients in critical condition, according to the health ministry data.
The data also shows a gradual decline in the number of fatalities, with six more deaths from the disease across the country, raising the death toll to 6,294.
Major
Test Star
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Runs
- 36,255
- Post of the Week
- 7
a new problem might start, lets hope its untrue though
Kids who had corona are now getting diabetes. Dont know if its true though. [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] is it?
King-Misbah
First Class Player
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2017
- Runs
- 2,799
We had the same reports in the UK too so I would assume therr is definately a link.
Major
Test Star
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Runs
- 36,255
- Post of the Week
- 7
is it happening with kids only or also elders?
I think the govt should again think about not opening schools for young children.
King-Misbah
First Class Player
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2017
- Runs
- 2,799
It was in children but schools are opening from September in the UK.
Bewal Express
Test Star
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2005
- Runs
- 39,827
The 2nd wave is a real possibility and people must take real care.
last_knight
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2012
- Runs
- 6,461
Picnic Covidiots have ruined it. During last 1 week I have seen more Cases and Hospitalizations (all Picnic Covidiots) than what I encountered in whole month of August.
finalfantasy7
First Class Star
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2011
- Runs
- 3,256
so we have now dropped down to 17th in the list - france overtook us today.
Turkey and italy will overtake us by next week at the current rate.
Turkey and italy will overtake us by next week at the current rate.
Syed1
ODI Captain
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2015
- Runs
- 46,041
- Post of the Week
- 3
Started spiking again last 2-3 days. Cases went from 200 odd to over 400. Test positivity also slightly up.
Slog
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2015
- Runs
- 28,984
- Post of the Week
- 1
Yea not good news. Positivity rate going up
sweep_shot
Test Captain
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2016
- Runs
- 47,661
I think we are in for a second wave globally. Even Canadian cases are rising.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Sindh reports no virus deaths for first time in over 5 months
Sindh has reported no additional death from the coronavirus for the first time in over five months. A statement from the Chief Minister House said that the province reported no virus fatalities in the last 24 hours. The provincial death toll stands at 2,422.
Sindh has reported 230 new Covid-19 cases, taking the provincial total to 130,483. More than 2,100 people recovered from the virus in the last 24 hours, according to the statement.
Sindh has reported no additional death from the coronavirus for the first time in over five months. A statement from the Chief Minister House said that the province reported no virus fatalities in the last 24 hours. The provincial death toll stands at 2,422.
Sindh has reported 230 new Covid-19 cases, taking the provincial total to 130,483. More than 2,100 people recovered from the virus in the last 24 hours, according to the statement.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah announced on Saturday that for the first time since March 19, not a single individual passed away from COVID-19 in a day.
However, the chief minister was quick to add that 230 people had tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours as well, indicating that the disease was not yet over.
“Not a single death was reported in the province due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours which is a very good sign. It is the first time since March 19 that we have not lost any life because of Coronavirus infection in the province. Unfortunately, we have 230 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total number of cases to 130,483 in the province,” Murad Ali Shah said in his daily COVID-19 situation report on Saturday.
Murad revealed that 9,738 samples were tested over 24 hours, taking the tally to 130,483, while Saturday proved to be the lucky day when no death was reported. In percentage terms, this constitutes a 2% current detection rate.
He said overall 1,046,051 samples were tested, tracing 130,483 cases across Sindh which constitutes a 12% infection rate. Similarly, he added that 2,152 more patients recovered taking the number to 126,164 that constituted a 97% recovery rate.
Giving a break up of those under different stages of treatment, Shah said that currently, 1,897 patients were being treated including 1,578 in-home isolation, six at isolation centres, and 313 in different hospitals. He added that the condition of 157 patients was critical, including 16 who are on ventilators.
Out of 230 new cases, 120 were from Karachi, he said. They included 38 South, 32 East, 27 Korangi, 12 Central, six Malir and five West. Mirpurkhas has 14 cases, Hyderabad eight, Badin seven, Qamabr and Shaheed Benazirabad five each, Dadu four, Larkana, Naushehroferoze, Shikarpur and Umerkot three each, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Sukkur and Thatta two each and Ghotki and Jacobabad once each.
The chief minister stressed on the importance of precautionary measures for people to stay safe.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/306439-on...d-19-deaths-for-the-first-time-since-march-19
However, the chief minister was quick to add that 230 people had tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours as well, indicating that the disease was not yet over.
“Not a single death was reported in the province due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours which is a very good sign. It is the first time since March 19 that we have not lost any life because of Coronavirus infection in the province. Unfortunately, we have 230 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total number of cases to 130,483 in the province,” Murad Ali Shah said in his daily COVID-19 situation report on Saturday.
Murad revealed that 9,738 samples were tested over 24 hours, taking the tally to 130,483, while Saturday proved to be the lucky day when no death was reported. In percentage terms, this constitutes a 2% current detection rate.
He said overall 1,046,051 samples were tested, tracing 130,483 cases across Sindh which constitutes a 12% infection rate. Similarly, he added that 2,152 more patients recovered taking the number to 126,164 that constituted a 97% recovery rate.
Giving a break up of those under different stages of treatment, Shah said that currently, 1,897 patients were being treated including 1,578 in-home isolation, six at isolation centres, and 313 in different hospitals. He added that the condition of 157 patients was critical, including 16 who are on ventilators.
Out of 230 new cases, 120 were from Karachi, he said. They included 38 South, 32 East, 27 Korangi, 12 Central, six Malir and five West. Mirpurkhas has 14 cases, Hyderabad eight, Badin seven, Qamabr and Shaheed Benazirabad five each, Dadu four, Larkana, Naushehroferoze, Shikarpur and Umerkot three each, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Sukkur and Thatta two each and Ghotki and Jacobabad once each.
The chief minister stressed on the importance of precautionary measures for people to stay safe.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/306439-on...d-19-deaths-for-the-first-time-since-march-19
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
RAWALPINDI: Nine cases of Covid-19 were reported on Sunday in Rawalpindi district while five patients were discharged from hospitals after recovering.
The tally of confirmed patients in the district now stands at 6,740 while 281 people have died and 6,271 others discharged after recovery from Rawalpindi’s four main hospitals. As many as 254 patients are waiting for their coronavirus serology results as operations in laboratories of the garrison city have been slow.
A total of 188 confirmed patients are under treatment, including 98 in Rawalpindi Institute of Urology (RIU), out of whom 14 belong to Rawalpindi district and the remaining 84 are from other districts.
Around 90 patients are isolated in their residences, as officials from the health authority said the test results of these patients were positive, however, they were asymptomatic.
Local administrations have also kept 320 close contacts of confirmed patients under quarantine. As many as 10 district health authority teams were deployed to monitor patients isolated in 90 houses.
According to data from the Rawalpindi Division, 8,128 people tested positive for Covid-19 since March including 6,740 in Rawalpindi, 617 in Attock, 484 in Jhelum and 287 in Chakwal. As many as 7,563 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery in the four districts including 6,271 in Rawalpindi, 572 in Attock, 470 in Jhelum and 250 in Chakwal.
Around 347 people have died of Covid-19 in the division including 281 in Rawalpindi, 20 in Attock, nine in Jhelum and 37 in Chakwal.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1578335/fewer-covid-19-cases-reported-in-rawalpindi
The tally of confirmed patients in the district now stands at 6,740 while 281 people have died and 6,271 others discharged after recovery from Rawalpindi’s four main hospitals. As many as 254 patients are waiting for their coronavirus serology results as operations in laboratories of the garrison city have been slow.
A total of 188 confirmed patients are under treatment, including 98 in Rawalpindi Institute of Urology (RIU), out of whom 14 belong to Rawalpindi district and the remaining 84 are from other districts.
Around 90 patients are isolated in their residences, as officials from the health authority said the test results of these patients were positive, however, they were asymptomatic.
Local administrations have also kept 320 close contacts of confirmed patients under quarantine. As many as 10 district health authority teams were deployed to monitor patients isolated in 90 houses.
According to data from the Rawalpindi Division, 8,128 people tested positive for Covid-19 since March including 6,740 in Rawalpindi, 617 in Attock, 484 in Jhelum and 287 in Chakwal. As many as 7,563 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery in the four districts including 6,271 in Rawalpindi, 572 in Attock, 470 in Jhelum and 250 in Chakwal.
Around 347 people have died of Covid-19 in the division including 281 in Rawalpindi, 20 in Attock, nine in Jhelum and 37 in Chakwal.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1578335/fewer-covid-19-cases-reported-in-rawalpindi
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Pakistan announces reopening schools in phases
Pakistan on Monday announced that all the schools across the country will reopen from Sept. 15, ending a six-month closure propelled by the coronavirus pandemic.
Announcing the decision after a meeting of the provincial education ministers in the capital Islamabad, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood said that some 300,000 schools, colleges, and universities will reopen in phases starting from September 15, in an attempt to avoid another wave of the virus.
Pakistan on Monday announced that all the schools across the country will reopen from Sept. 15, ending a six-month closure propelled by the coronavirus pandemic.
Announcing the decision after a meeting of the provincial education ministers in the capital Islamabad, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood said that some 300,000 schools, colleges, and universities will reopen in phases starting from September 15, in an attempt to avoid another wave of the virus.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
A recent study by Aga Khan University researchers has revealed that nine out of 10 Covid-19 patients in Karachi — considered by experts as one of the country's epicentres — were asymptomatic, a statement released by the institution said on Monday.
The study suggested that the reason hospitals in Pakistan did not face the same strain as hospitals in Spain and the United Kingdom was because most patients did not experience any symptoms and, therefore, did not require treatment.
It said the ratio of asymptomatic cases in Pakistan was much higher than that witnessed in developed countries.
The research was based on samples of residents from areas with both low and high transmission rates with researchers finding that 95 per cent of those who tested positive for the novel coronavirus through blood tests reported no symptoms.
"Antibody testing or seroprevalence provides a true picture of the burden of Covid-19 as they capture asymptomatic cases who represent silent carriers of the disease," said Dr Fyezah Jehan, a co-researcher.
"Understanding how, when and in what types of settings, Covid-19 spreads is critical to developing effective public health and infection prevention measures to break chains of transmission."
The research also confirmed the findings of an earlier study conducted by the government, which had concluded that 11pc of the population had contracted the disease, using results of antibody tests.
The rise in cases between April and June, in both low and high transmission areas of Karachi, was also confirmed by the Aga Khan University researchers. They found that the transmission rate in Ibrahim Hyderi, where community transmission rate was low, jumped from 0.2 to 8.7pc during April and June, when Pakistan saw its peak.
In areas like Safoora Goth, Pehlwan Goth and Faisal Cantonment, among others, where community transmission was high, the transmission rate increased drastically from 0.4pc to 15.1pc.
“The sharp increase in antibody levels in an area with low reported cases indicates that the virus continues to spread unchecked in populations where testing rates are sub-optimal,” said Dr Imran Nisar, an assistant professor at the university and co-investigator on the study.
The study revealed that children and adolescents are as likely to be infected as adults. It also dispelled the notion that men are more vulnerable to getting infected, concluding that members of both sexes are equally prone to contracting the virus.
The team has so far held two serosurveys — testing blood serum of a group to determine the prevalence of a virus or pathogen in a population — in which more than 2,000 people participated. A third survey is currently underway and a fourth is planned for later in September in order to determine the impact of easing the lockdown on Eidul Azha and Muharram processions.
Restrictions that were imposed by the government in the past few months have been retracted as Pakistan saw a drastic drop in cases.
Following an initial surge, the number of infections has plummeted in recent weeks, with Covid-19 deaths hovering in the single digits each day, while neighbouring India tallies hundreds of fatalities.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1578577/9...in-karachi-are-asymptomatic-aku-study-reveals
The study suggested that the reason hospitals in Pakistan did not face the same strain as hospitals in Spain and the United Kingdom was because most patients did not experience any symptoms and, therefore, did not require treatment.
It said the ratio of asymptomatic cases in Pakistan was much higher than that witnessed in developed countries.
The research was based on samples of residents from areas with both low and high transmission rates with researchers finding that 95 per cent of those who tested positive for the novel coronavirus through blood tests reported no symptoms.
"Antibody testing or seroprevalence provides a true picture of the burden of Covid-19 as they capture asymptomatic cases who represent silent carriers of the disease," said Dr Fyezah Jehan, a co-researcher.
"Understanding how, when and in what types of settings, Covid-19 spreads is critical to developing effective public health and infection prevention measures to break chains of transmission."
The research also confirmed the findings of an earlier study conducted by the government, which had concluded that 11pc of the population had contracted the disease, using results of antibody tests.
The rise in cases between April and June, in both low and high transmission areas of Karachi, was also confirmed by the Aga Khan University researchers. They found that the transmission rate in Ibrahim Hyderi, where community transmission rate was low, jumped from 0.2 to 8.7pc during April and June, when Pakistan saw its peak.
In areas like Safoora Goth, Pehlwan Goth and Faisal Cantonment, among others, where community transmission was high, the transmission rate increased drastically from 0.4pc to 15.1pc.
“The sharp increase in antibody levels in an area with low reported cases indicates that the virus continues to spread unchecked in populations where testing rates are sub-optimal,” said Dr Imran Nisar, an assistant professor at the university and co-investigator on the study.
The study revealed that children and adolescents are as likely to be infected as adults. It also dispelled the notion that men are more vulnerable to getting infected, concluding that members of both sexes are equally prone to contracting the virus.
The team has so far held two serosurveys — testing blood serum of a group to determine the prevalence of a virus or pathogen in a population — in which more than 2,000 people participated. A third survey is currently underway and a fourth is planned for later in September in order to determine the impact of easing the lockdown on Eidul Azha and Muharram processions.
Restrictions that were imposed by the government in the past few months have been retracted as Pakistan saw a drastic drop in cases.
Following an initial surge, the number of infections has plummeted in recent weeks, with Covid-19 deaths hovering in the single digits each day, while neighbouring India tallies hundreds of fatalities.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1578577/9...in-karachi-are-asymptomatic-aku-study-reveals
the Great Khan
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2005
- Runs
- 27,106
- Post of the Week
- 1
Fascinating. So why are more Indians showing symptoms and not Pakistanis? weird. The strain in Pakistan must be different then or it has mutated into a form that is not as severe??
[MENTION=128087]last_knight[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION]
[MENTION=128087]last_knight[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION]
last_knight
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2012
- Runs
- 6,461
Theoretically, Virus should have behaved similarly in India & Pakistan because both countries have same weather, similar break-up of socio-economic status of population and to an extent similar social lifestyles.
Pakistan has been incredibly lucky. There is no other explanation.
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
WHO includes Pakistan among 6 countries ‘the world can learn from’
The World Health Organization has included Pakistan among six countries the world should learn from in fighting with future pandemics.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that coronavirus is not the last pandemic. “History teaches us that outbreaks and pandemics are a fact of life. But when the next pandemic comes, the world must be ready – more ready than it was this time,” he said.
He continued that while significant progress has been made in medicine, too many countries have neglected their public health systems. However, he added there are six countries the rest of the world can learn from.
While naming Pakistan, the WHO director said that the country has used the infrastructure it developed in its fight against polio to tackle the novel coronavirus.
He said those community health workers, who previously used to vaccinate children for polio, have been now redeployed for contact tracing and monitoring.
Ghebreyesus also included Thailand, Mongolia, Italy, Mauritius and Uruguay in the list of countries portraying their innovative and smart efforts in fighting pandemics.
“Having learned the lessons of previous pandemics, it’s therefore vital that we learn the lessons this pandemic is teaching us,” the director concluded.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/4001...an-among-6-countries-the-world-can-learn-from
The World Health Organization has included Pakistan among six countries the world should learn from in fighting with future pandemics.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that coronavirus is not the last pandemic. “History teaches us that outbreaks and pandemics are a fact of life. But when the next pandemic comes, the world must be ready – more ready than it was this time,” he said.
He continued that while significant progress has been made in medicine, too many countries have neglected their public health systems. However, he added there are six countries the rest of the world can learn from.
While naming Pakistan, the WHO director said that the country has used the infrastructure it developed in its fight against polio to tackle the novel coronavirus.
He said those community health workers, who previously used to vaccinate children for polio, have been now redeployed for contact tracing and monitoring.
Ghebreyesus also included Thailand, Mongolia, Italy, Mauritius and Uruguay in the list of countries portraying their innovative and smart efforts in fighting pandemics.
“Having learned the lessons of previous pandemics, it’s therefore vital that we learn the lessons this pandemic is teaching us,” the director concluded.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/4001...an-among-6-countries-the-world-can-learn-from
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
TrentDevil
Local Club Regular
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2020
- Runs
- 1,443
Apart from Punjab, cases are on the rise everywhere else
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Sindh reports 289 new cases, 3 more deaths
Sindh has reported 289 new cases of the novel coronavirus, raising the provincial tally to 131,404.
Moreover, the statement issued by the Chief Minister House confirmed the deaths of three more persons due to the virus. The death toll in the province now stands at 2,439.
Sindh has reported 289 new cases of the novel coronavirus, raising the provincial tally to 131,404.
Moreover, the statement issued by the Chief Minister House confirmed the deaths of three more persons due to the virus. The death toll in the province now stands at 2,439.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Pakistan was among countries from whom the international community should learn how to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Former Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza told Dawn it was the recognition of Pakistan’s effort at the international level.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a media briefing said Pakistan deployed the infrastructure built up over many years for polio to combat Covid-19.
“Community health workers who have been trained to go door-to-door vaccinating children for polio have been utilised for surveillance, contact tracing and care,” he said.
“There are many other examples, including Cambodia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Senegal, Spain and Vietnam. Many of these countries have done well because they learned lessons from previous outbreaks of SARS, MERS, measles, polio, Ebola, flu and other diseases. That’s why it’s vital that we all learn lessons this pandemic is teaching us,” he said.
Asks international community to follow its example
Dr Mirza in a tweet stated: “Pakistan included among seven countries by WHO Director General- countries that the world can learn from about how to fight future pandemics. Great honour for the people of Pakistan. Alhamdolilah.”
Talking to Dawn, Dr Mirza said it was the recognition of the national effort internationally.
“It proves that if we want to do something we can do it. Moreover, the WHO DG spoke about the importance of the public health system. It is talked about ‘building back better (BBB)’ and I believe time has come to build back,” he said.
BBB is an approach to post-disaster recovery that reduces vulnerability to future disasters and builds community resilience to address physical, social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities and shocks.
While there are rumours that Dr Mirza has left the country, he again said he is not going anywhere and will stay in Pakistan.
“I am not in a job mode anymore and just want to contribute for the awareness of the masses,” he said.
Ministry of National Health Services spokesperson Sajid Shah said it was collective efforts from the platform of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) due to which not only Pakistan proved all international estimates regarding the number of cases wrong but also minimised the cases.
He said efforts were being made to further push back the virus.
While Pakistan has minimised the Covid-19 cases, in India around 4.5 million cases and 75,000 deaths have been reported. India is ranked second after the United States in which 6.5 million cases have been reported.
The virus was first detected in China in December 2019 and then it started spreading in other countries. Pakistan had closed its borders and took a number of steps to stop the transmission due to which the first case of Covid-19 was reported in the last week of February. On March 13, the first meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) was held to discuss the crisis which was later declared pandemic by WHO.
Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the meeting of NSC and directed the concerned authorities to devise a comprehensive strategy to prevent the spread of the disease.
A lockdown was announced on March 16 and a number of industries, including the construction industry, educational institutions, restaurants, marriage halls etc were closed.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was involved to ensure medical equipment and health related supplies at the earliest due to which coordination with the provinces improved. Pakistan also sealed its western border with Afghanistan and Iran. Even Kartarpur shrine was closed for local people.
The construction industry was opened on August 7 and the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Covid-19 lifted restrictions on the tourism sector from Aug 8 and on restaurants and transport sector from Aug 10.
Since the opening of tourist spots, a huge influx of tourists was observed without following SOPs due to which Gilgit-Baltistan had to close its tourist spots. However, a large number of people have been visiting other areas of the country, including Kumrat Valley, due to which it is feared that the second wave of the virus may arrive.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1578971/who-praises-pakistans-handling-of-covid-19-pandemic
Former Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza told Dawn it was the recognition of Pakistan’s effort at the international level.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a media briefing said Pakistan deployed the infrastructure built up over many years for polio to combat Covid-19.
“Community health workers who have been trained to go door-to-door vaccinating children for polio have been utilised for surveillance, contact tracing and care,” he said.
“There are many other examples, including Cambodia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Senegal, Spain and Vietnam. Many of these countries have done well because they learned lessons from previous outbreaks of SARS, MERS, measles, polio, Ebola, flu and other diseases. That’s why it’s vital that we all learn lessons this pandemic is teaching us,” he said.
Asks international community to follow its example
Dr Mirza in a tweet stated: “Pakistan included among seven countries by WHO Director General- countries that the world can learn from about how to fight future pandemics. Great honour for the people of Pakistan. Alhamdolilah.”
Talking to Dawn, Dr Mirza said it was the recognition of the national effort internationally.
“It proves that if we want to do something we can do it. Moreover, the WHO DG spoke about the importance of the public health system. It is talked about ‘building back better (BBB)’ and I believe time has come to build back,” he said.
BBB is an approach to post-disaster recovery that reduces vulnerability to future disasters and builds community resilience to address physical, social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities and shocks.
While there are rumours that Dr Mirza has left the country, he again said he is not going anywhere and will stay in Pakistan.
“I am not in a job mode anymore and just want to contribute for the awareness of the masses,” he said.
Ministry of National Health Services spokesperson Sajid Shah said it was collective efforts from the platform of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) due to which not only Pakistan proved all international estimates regarding the number of cases wrong but also minimised the cases.
He said efforts were being made to further push back the virus.
While Pakistan has minimised the Covid-19 cases, in India around 4.5 million cases and 75,000 deaths have been reported. India is ranked second after the United States in which 6.5 million cases have been reported.
The virus was first detected in China in December 2019 and then it started spreading in other countries. Pakistan had closed its borders and took a number of steps to stop the transmission due to which the first case of Covid-19 was reported in the last week of February. On March 13, the first meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) was held to discuss the crisis which was later declared pandemic by WHO.
Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired the meeting of NSC and directed the concerned authorities to devise a comprehensive strategy to prevent the spread of the disease.
A lockdown was announced on March 16 and a number of industries, including the construction industry, educational institutions, restaurants, marriage halls etc were closed.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was involved to ensure medical equipment and health related supplies at the earliest due to which coordination with the provinces improved. Pakistan also sealed its western border with Afghanistan and Iran. Even Kartarpur shrine was closed for local people.
The construction industry was opened on August 7 and the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on Covid-19 lifted restrictions on the tourism sector from Aug 8 and on restaurants and transport sector from Aug 10.
Since the opening of tourist spots, a huge influx of tourists was observed without following SOPs due to which Gilgit-Baltistan had to close its tourist spots. However, a large number of people have been visiting other areas of the country, including Kumrat Valley, due to which it is feared that the second wave of the virus may arrive.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1578971/who-praises-pakistans-handling-of-covid-19-pandemic
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Sindh reports 205 cases, 3 new deaths from Covid-19
205 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Sindh, taking the provincial tally to 131,880, according to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Three more people lost their lives due to the virus, with the overall provincial death toll rising to 2,443.
A total of 13,797 tests were carried out in Sindh during the last 24 hours, Shah said.
205 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Sindh, taking the provincial tally to 131,880, according to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Three more people lost their lives due to the virus, with the overall provincial death toll rising to 2,443.
A total of 13,797 tests were carried out in Sindh during the last 24 hours, Shah said.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Pakistan reports 548 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours - total cases rise to 300,955
Tests in last 24 hours: 28,724
Infection rate: 1.9%
Tests in last 24 hours: 28,724
Infection rate: 1.9%
The Viper
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2018
- Runs
- 6,865
Trials of Chinese developed vaccine to begin in '10 days': Asad Umar
Pakistan is set to participate in the Phase 3 trials of a Chinese developed coronavirus vaccine, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said Saturday.
In a tweet, Umar said: "Pakistan will be participating in Phase 3 trials of a Chinese developed vaccine for coronavirus."
"The trials in Pakistan will Inshallah start in about 10 days time," he added.
The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against COVID-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety.
None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a “clear signal” of efficacy at the level of at least 50% sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said.
Russia granted regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy.
US public health officials and Pfizer had said a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That would be just ahead of the US election on November 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term.
“We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year,” Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva.
“This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is,” she added. This referred to the phase in vaccine research where large clinical trials among people are conducted. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate.
To date, Pakistan has reported 300,955 cases and 6,373 fatalities while over 280,000 have recovered from the virus.
Earlier, officials had said that the falling coronavirus cases in Pakistan will not affect a Phase 3 clinical trial for China’s CanSino Biologics' potential vaccine, which is expected to begin this month.
Pakistan’s drug regulator, last month, gave the approval for the country’s first Phase 3 clinical trial for CanSino’s candidate, Ad5-nCoV, which will be led by the government-run National Institute of Health (NIH) along with pharmaceutical company AJM — the local representative of CanSino.
“We are planning to launch the project on September 20, or at the latest within this month,” Hassan Abbas Zaheer, who is heading the trial for AJM, told Reuters.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/307550-trails-of-chinese-developed-vaccine-to-begin-in-10-days-asad-umar
Pakistan is set to participate in the Phase 3 trials of a Chinese developed coronavirus vaccine, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said Saturday.
In a tweet, Umar said: "Pakistan will be participating in Phase 3 trials of a Chinese developed vaccine for coronavirus."
"The trials in Pakistan will Inshallah start in about 10 days time," he added.
The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against COVID-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety.
None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a “clear signal” of efficacy at the level of at least 50% sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said.
Russia granted regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy.
US public health officials and Pfizer had said a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That would be just ahead of the US election on November 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term.
“We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year,” Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva.
“This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is,” she added. This referred to the phase in vaccine research where large clinical trials among people are conducted. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate.
To date, Pakistan has reported 300,955 cases and 6,373 fatalities while over 280,000 have recovered from the virus.
Earlier, officials had said that the falling coronavirus cases in Pakistan will not affect a Phase 3 clinical trial for China’s CanSino Biologics' potential vaccine, which is expected to begin this month.
Pakistan’s drug regulator, last month, gave the approval for the country’s first Phase 3 clinical trial for CanSino’s candidate, Ad5-nCoV, which will be led by the government-run National Institute of Health (NIH) along with pharmaceutical company AJM — the local representative of CanSino.
“We are planning to launch the project on September 20, or at the latest within this month,” Hassan Abbas Zaheer, who is heading the trial for AJM, told Reuters.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/307550-trails-of-chinese-developed-vaccine-to-begin-in-10-days-asad-umar
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Universities, colleges and high school classes have resumed across Pakistan this morning after a six-month closure.
This is the first of a three-phase reopening of the educational institutions the government announced recently. Middle school classes will resume on 23 September, and if all goes well, nursery and primary school classes will resume on 30 September.
The government has issued a list of safety measures the schools need to adopt strictly, warning that any failure to comply may cause another spike in virus transmission.
The measures include face masks for students and school staff, regular sanitising of all premises, ensuring physical distance of two meters, and provision of hand sanitisers in classrooms.
Educational institutions in Pakistan were ordered closed on 15 March when Covid-19 was peaking.
But the curve has tapered off since July and the decision to reopen schools comes at a time when average daily deaths due to Covid-19 have fallen below 10 and the average daily incidence of infections has fallen below 500.
Wedding halls in the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been given the green light to re-open under a strict safety regime.
This is the first of a three-phase reopening of the educational institutions the government announced recently. Middle school classes will resume on 23 September, and if all goes well, nursery and primary school classes will resume on 30 September.
The government has issued a list of safety measures the schools need to adopt strictly, warning that any failure to comply may cause another spike in virus transmission.
The measures include face masks for students and school staff, regular sanitising of all premises, ensuring physical distance of two meters, and provision of hand sanitisers in classrooms.
Educational institutions in Pakistan were ordered closed on 15 March when Covid-19 was peaking.
But the curve has tapered off since July and the decision to reopen schools comes at a time when average daily deaths due to Covid-19 have fallen below 10 and the average daily incidence of infections has fallen below 500.
Wedding halls in the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been given the green light to re-open under a strict safety regime.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Sindh reports 341 cases, 3 new deaths from Covid-19
341 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Sindh, taking the provincial tally to 132,591, according to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Three more people lost their lives, with Sindh's overall death toll from the virus rising to 2,448.
A total of 13,642 tests were carried out in the province during the last 24 hours, according to Shah.
341 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Sindh, taking the provincial tally to 132,591, according to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Three more people lost their lives, with Sindh's overall death toll from the virus rising to 2,448.
A total of 13,642 tests were carried out in the province during the last 24 hours, according to Shah.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Pakistan's coronavirus recoveries cross 291,000
According to the government's Covid-19 portal, 409 more people have recovered from coronavirus in Pakistan, taking the country's total recoveries to 291,169.
The portal shows 593 virus patients are in critical condition.
According to the government's Covid-19 portal, 409 more people have recovered from coronavirus in Pakistan, taking the country's total recoveries to 291,169.
The portal shows 593 virus patients are in critical condition.
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If there was any doubt about the substantial (& surprising) drop in Covid deaths in Pakistan, govt graveyard burial data from Karachi seems to absolutely confirm it, with no significant excess deaths anymore<br><br>Aug '18 - 1,745 total burials<br>Aug '19 - 1,832<br>Aug '20 - 1,952 (1 Covid) <a href="https://t.co/efSqTueVWr">pic.twitter.com/efSqTueVWr</a></p>— Secunder Kermani (@SecKermani) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecKermani/status/1306485239393419265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
4 days after reopening its schools, Pakistan reports its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases since Aug 13
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Pakistan reports over 700 virus cases for first time in more than a month
Pakistan has reported more than 700 coronavirus cases for the first time in more than a month. According to data collected by Dawn.com, 722 cases were reported in the country on September 17.
The last time the country recorded more than 700 cases was on August 12 when 711 cases were reported over 24 hours.
Pakistan has reported more than 700 coronavirus cases for the first time in more than a month. According to data collected by Dawn.com, 722 cases were reported in the country on September 17.
The last time the country recorded more than 700 cases was on August 12 when 711 cases were reported over 24 hours.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh shut down 13 more educational institutions in the last 24 hours over non-compliance of health guidelines and protocols, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said on Friday.
The NCOC said 10 educational institutions in KP and three in Sindh have been shut down for flouting the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
On Thursday, the government had shared that 16 educational institutions were closed in KP, one in Islamabad and five in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, coronavirus has been detected in 88 schools teachers in Sindh, according to an education department statement issued today.
The results of 2,500 tests have been received out of 13,000 samples that were collected from different schools across the province.
Also read: PM Imran welcomes children returning to schools
Earlier this week, the NCOC had also said that a “major educational institute” in the federal capital was sealed after a spike in COVID-19 cases was reported from it.
"A major educational institution sealed in Islamabad. Due to targeted testing, 16 cases were reported from the subject institution," read the statement. The NCOC had also said that contact tracing will be done to "ensure containment" of COVID-19 cases in the city.
The closures came shortly after all educational institutions, including seminaries, reopened from Tuesday after a six-month break amid concerns over the implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols and fears of a second wave of the virus.
The government had decided to close schools, colleges and universities in March to curb the spread of coronavirus. Sindh, however, had suspended educational activities in the province on February 27 after detection of the first COVID-19 case in Karachi.
On September 7, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood had announced that all higher education institutions in the country will reopen in phases from September 15.
According to the guidelines issued by the government, the use of masks is mandatory for all teachers and students, while schools, colleges and universities will ensure the presence of hand sanitizers at the entrance.
The NCOC has also urged the parents and teachers to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued for the safety of students.
The NCOC said 10 educational institutions in KP and three in Sindh have been shut down for flouting the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
On Thursday, the government had shared that 16 educational institutions were closed in KP, one in Islamabad and five in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, coronavirus has been detected in 88 schools teachers in Sindh, according to an education department statement issued today.
The results of 2,500 tests have been received out of 13,000 samples that were collected from different schools across the province.
Also read: PM Imran welcomes children returning to schools
Earlier this week, the NCOC had also said that a “major educational institute” in the federal capital was sealed after a spike in COVID-19 cases was reported from it.
"A major educational institution sealed in Islamabad. Due to targeted testing, 16 cases were reported from the subject institution," read the statement. The NCOC had also said that contact tracing will be done to "ensure containment" of COVID-19 cases in the city.
The closures came shortly after all educational institutions, including seminaries, reopened from Tuesday after a six-month break amid concerns over the implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols and fears of a second wave of the virus.
The government had decided to close schools, colleges and universities in March to curb the spread of coronavirus. Sindh, however, had suspended educational activities in the province on February 27 after detection of the first COVID-19 case in Karachi.
On September 7, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood had announced that all higher education institutions in the country will reopen in phases from September 15.
According to the guidelines issued by the government, the use of masks is mandatory for all teachers and students, while schools, colleges and universities will ensure the presence of hand sanitizers at the entrance.
The NCOC has also urged the parents and teachers to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued for the safety of students.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Sindh education minister Saeed Ghani on Friday announced that the reopening of schools for sixth, seventh and eighth graders is being delayed over fears of the spread of COVID-19 as educational institutes have been observed to have failed in enforcing safety protocols.
Ghani said that students from these grades will be asked to rejoin school on September 28, subject to if the COVID-19 situation improves. He said in this period, the provincial government will see how to better enforce the following of safety measures.
"Our purpose is not to shut down schools permanently [...] we simply seek for them to mend their ways when we see they are not fulfilling their responsibility. They should follow through with the commitments made.
"And the following of safety protocols is not to be done for our satisfaction. Our children go to these schools. It is a question of their health and safety," the education minister underscored.
Ghani said that children's health cannot be gambled away for the sake of saving the losses incurred by schools and for the sake of recovering the loss of learning for children that has accumulated since the outbreak.
The minister said that the decision will be reviewed before September 28. "I will get in touch with the federal ministers and will request a meeting of the inter-provincial education ministers committee so that a uniform decision is taken across the country."
Ghani also requested the media to spread awareness and "sensitise" parents, children and the public in general, to properly follow COVID-19 prevention measures.
"We want schools to reopen but when they do, we should be free of any worry that if they do go to school they will not be so exposed to the risk of catching any illness."
The education minister said that government schools, although were not taking precautions a 100%, "but the situation was much better there".
"At the same time I will say, not all private schools performed poorly in abiding by the rules. I came away quite impressed by some of them [in the way protocols were followed]. I was very satisfied. Some however, were completely violating safety protocols," Ghani said.
He said that keeping in view such brazen violation, four schools were sealed yesterday, of which three are "probably not even registered".
The education minister said that between September 12 and 17, "14,544 tests were carried out of which some 11,000 reports are still pending". He was referring to a question posed by a journalist asking about the 88 new cases of COVID-19 found in school teachers.
To a question of why the PPP chairman was "taking out rallies" at a time when the coronavirus situation is so precarious, Ghani clarified that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari simply visited flood-affected areas, such as Mirpurkhas and Hyderabad.
"This was also an important task. He did not take out any rallies."
"Yes, marketplaces and cinemas are open, rallies and religious processions were carried out. But you have a choice in the matter. When it comes to schools, many children simply do not have the choice to not attend.
"When a child has to go to school, it is the government's responsibility as well as that of parents to decide what is better for him," he stressed.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/308588-reopening-of-schools-slated-for-september-21-delayed-saeed-ghani
Ghani said that students from these grades will be asked to rejoin school on September 28, subject to if the COVID-19 situation improves. He said in this period, the provincial government will see how to better enforce the following of safety measures.
"Our purpose is not to shut down schools permanently [...] we simply seek for them to mend their ways when we see they are not fulfilling their responsibility. They should follow through with the commitments made.
"And the following of safety protocols is not to be done for our satisfaction. Our children go to these schools. It is a question of their health and safety," the education minister underscored.
Ghani said that children's health cannot be gambled away for the sake of saving the losses incurred by schools and for the sake of recovering the loss of learning for children that has accumulated since the outbreak.
The minister said that the decision will be reviewed before September 28. "I will get in touch with the federal ministers and will request a meeting of the inter-provincial education ministers committee so that a uniform decision is taken across the country."
Ghani also requested the media to spread awareness and "sensitise" parents, children and the public in general, to properly follow COVID-19 prevention measures.
"We want schools to reopen but when they do, we should be free of any worry that if they do go to school they will not be so exposed to the risk of catching any illness."
The education minister said that government schools, although were not taking precautions a 100%, "but the situation was much better there".
"At the same time I will say, not all private schools performed poorly in abiding by the rules. I came away quite impressed by some of them [in the way protocols were followed]. I was very satisfied. Some however, were completely violating safety protocols," Ghani said.
He said that keeping in view such brazen violation, four schools were sealed yesterday, of which three are "probably not even registered".
The education minister said that between September 12 and 17, "14,544 tests were carried out of which some 11,000 reports are still pending". He was referring to a question posed by a journalist asking about the 88 new cases of COVID-19 found in school teachers.
To a question of why the PPP chairman was "taking out rallies" at a time when the coronavirus situation is so precarious, Ghani clarified that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari simply visited flood-affected areas, such as Mirpurkhas and Hyderabad.
"This was also an important task. He did not take out any rallies."
"Yes, marketplaces and cinemas are open, rallies and religious processions were carried out. But you have a choice in the matter. When it comes to schools, many children simply do not have the choice to not attend.
"When a child has to go to school, it is the government's responsibility as well as that of parents to decide what is better for him," he stressed.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/308588-reopening-of-schools-slated-for-september-21-delayed-saeed-ghani
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
Number of cases going up a bit but so is testing.
545 positive out of ~32k tests on 16th.
750 positive out of ~34k tests on 17th.
645 positive out of ~36k tests on 18th.
545 positive out of ~32k tests on 16th.
750 positive out of ~34k tests on 17th.
645 positive out of ~36k tests on 18th.
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
Slim chance of second Covid-19 wave in Pakistan: Study
The latest study by Pakistan’s leading blood diseases institute suggests there is a slim chance of a second wave of the novel coronavirus here, further strengthening the government’s policy of reopening of businesses.
The cross-sectional study conducted from May to July at the National Institute of Blood Diseases (NIBD) Karachi, has been published by the Oxford University Press’s Journal of Public Health.
Titled, “Challenges in acquiring herd immunity for Covid-19,” the study conducted by a team of microbiologist, hematologists and pathologists, led by Dr Samreen Zaidi, includes nearly 1,700 people from three groups – health care, community and industrial workers.
It included adult male and female participants, who ranged in age from 18 to 60.
The study conducted to assess antibodies levels in diverse a group of residents to comprehend prevalence in the community, revealed that 36% of the workforce of Karachi, the country’s largest city and commercial capital, have already developed immunity against the Covid-19.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2264689/slim-chance-of-second-covid-19-wave-in-pakistan-study
The latest study by Pakistan’s leading blood diseases institute suggests there is a slim chance of a second wave of the novel coronavirus here, further strengthening the government’s policy of reopening of businesses.
The cross-sectional study conducted from May to July at the National Institute of Blood Diseases (NIBD) Karachi, has been published by the Oxford University Press’s Journal of Public Health.
Titled, “Challenges in acquiring herd immunity for Covid-19,” the study conducted by a team of microbiologist, hematologists and pathologists, led by Dr Samreen Zaidi, includes nearly 1,700 people from three groups – health care, community and industrial workers.
It included adult male and female participants, who ranged in age from 18 to 60.
The study conducted to assess antibodies levels in diverse a group of residents to comprehend prevalence in the community, revealed that 36% of the workforce of Karachi, the country’s largest city and commercial capital, have already developed immunity against the Covid-19.
“This study has been instigated to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in different healthcare and community population from Karachi and with the aim of assessing the importance of seroprevalence in these groups,” the report said.
The overall seroprevalence or the immunity rate, it added, is found to be 36% with highest positivity in industrial employees (50.5%), whereas only 13% of health care workers tested positive.
Moreover, the community that comprised of healthy blood donors and walk-in patients for antibody testing had a 34% positivity rate.
Seroprevalence is the incidence of a disease or illness within a distinct population at one time, as measured by serology tests.
The seroprevalence rate, the study pointed out, identified in the US population varies from 1.9 to 6.9%, which is very low compared to Pakistan.
Pakistani doctor reveals reason behind curbing Covid-19
The seropositivity rates reported were 10.8% and 5.0% from Switzerland and Spain, respectively.
Herd immunity
The study showed that one-third of Karachi’s industrial population developed immunity against the Covid-19, which is still far from the 60% to 70 herd immunity that is needed.
“In addition, if we consider acquiring 60% of seroprevalence in next couple of months, then herd immunity is not far from reality provided the antibodies did not decline with time,” the report said. “The present study raises the possibility that if 36% of adult population of Karachi is supposed to be seropositive, then we can hypothesize that in the next 2–3 months 60% of general population will become seropositive [immune].”
However, according to Dr. Samreen Zaidi, follow up studies show that the seroprevalence rate has reached 60%, as per expectations.
“We, on the basis of a gradual drop in cases, and other relevant factors, assume that there are low chances of a second wave of coronavirus, “ Zaidi told Anadolu Agency.
However, she acknowledged “assumptions are assumptions.”
“The only limitation with this study is that our sample size is small. Therefore, we have recommended a further and wide-ranging research on the government level to double check the results of this study,” she maintained.
Endorsing Zaidi’s view, Dr. Tahir Shamsi, the head of NIBD, claims the South Asian nuclear state has “almost” attained herd immunity, indicating that there are low chances of a second wave of the pandemic.
“The data this study shows is by July. We are in September now, and the latest statistics, and testing results suggest that the seroprevalence or immunity rate is almost 60% now,” Shamsi, a renowned hematologist, and pioneer of plasma therapy in Pakistan, told Anadolu Agency.
The latest statistics, he said, would be published after a month.
’No option of being careless’
A similar study conducted by one of the largest laboratories in Pakistan suggested that at least 33% of the country’s health professionals have developed immunity against the virus.
The laboratory conducted tests on 15,000 health professionals across the country for the study.
The number of cases has dropped from nearly 7,000 to merely 400 plus daily cases in the past few months, with daily fatalities hovering in the single digits each day.
However, the country reported 752 new virus cases in the past 24 hours, following the reopening of schools earlier this week. This is the highest figure in the last month-and-a-half.
The country has recorded 304,386 cases, of which 291,683 have recovered, according to Health Ministry data.
The number of fatalities stands at 6,408.
The government is currently following a “mini smart lockdown” strategy. Instead of closing entire streets or shopping centers, only houses or workplaces where infections are reported will be sealed.
“Though, the latest studies, and statistics indicate less chances of a new wave of the coronavirus, there is no option of being careless. The virus is very much there. We cannot afford ignoring safety precautions, “ Shamsi cautioned.
“The problem with this virus is that we still do not know much about it,” he maintained.
Sharing a similar view, Zaidi said: “We also recommend continuing the preventive procedures and robust efforts for vaccine development.”
The overall seroprevalence or the immunity rate, it added, is found to be 36% with highest positivity in industrial employees (50.5%), whereas only 13% of health care workers tested positive.
Moreover, the community that comprised of healthy blood donors and walk-in patients for antibody testing had a 34% positivity rate.
Seroprevalence is the incidence of a disease or illness within a distinct population at one time, as measured by serology tests.
The seroprevalence rate, the study pointed out, identified in the US population varies from 1.9 to 6.9%, which is very low compared to Pakistan.
Pakistani doctor reveals reason behind curbing Covid-19
The seropositivity rates reported were 10.8% and 5.0% from Switzerland and Spain, respectively.
Herd immunity
The study showed that one-third of Karachi’s industrial population developed immunity against the Covid-19, which is still far from the 60% to 70 herd immunity that is needed.
“In addition, if we consider acquiring 60% of seroprevalence in next couple of months, then herd immunity is not far from reality provided the antibodies did not decline with time,” the report said. “The present study raises the possibility that if 36% of adult population of Karachi is supposed to be seropositive, then we can hypothesize that in the next 2–3 months 60% of general population will become seropositive [immune].”
However, according to Dr. Samreen Zaidi, follow up studies show that the seroprevalence rate has reached 60%, as per expectations.
“We, on the basis of a gradual drop in cases, and other relevant factors, assume that there are low chances of a second wave of coronavirus, “ Zaidi told Anadolu Agency.
However, she acknowledged “assumptions are assumptions.”
“The only limitation with this study is that our sample size is small. Therefore, we have recommended a further and wide-ranging research on the government level to double check the results of this study,” she maintained.
Endorsing Zaidi’s view, Dr. Tahir Shamsi, the head of NIBD, claims the South Asian nuclear state has “almost” attained herd immunity, indicating that there are low chances of a second wave of the pandemic.
“The data this study shows is by July. We are in September now, and the latest statistics, and testing results suggest that the seroprevalence or immunity rate is almost 60% now,” Shamsi, a renowned hematologist, and pioneer of plasma therapy in Pakistan, told Anadolu Agency.
The latest statistics, he said, would be published after a month.
’No option of being careless’
A similar study conducted by one of the largest laboratories in Pakistan suggested that at least 33% of the country’s health professionals have developed immunity against the virus.
The laboratory conducted tests on 15,000 health professionals across the country for the study.
The number of cases has dropped from nearly 7,000 to merely 400 plus daily cases in the past few months, with daily fatalities hovering in the single digits each day.
However, the country reported 752 new virus cases in the past 24 hours, following the reopening of schools earlier this week. This is the highest figure in the last month-and-a-half.
The country has recorded 304,386 cases, of which 291,683 have recovered, according to Health Ministry data.
The number of fatalities stands at 6,408.
The government is currently following a “mini smart lockdown” strategy. Instead of closing entire streets or shopping centers, only houses or workplaces where infections are reported will be sealed.
“Though, the latest studies, and statistics indicate less chances of a new wave of the coronavirus, there is no option of being careless. The virus is very much there. We cannot afford ignoring safety precautions, “ Shamsi cautioned.
“The problem with this virus is that we still do not know much about it,” he maintained.
Sharing a similar view, Zaidi said: “We also recommend continuing the preventive procedures and robust efforts for vaccine development.”
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
KARACHI: A top health expert in the city leading convalescent plasma therapy trials in the country believes that Pakistan, or Karachi at least, is knocking on the door of herd immunity.
The expert claims that millions have already contracted COVID-19 asymptomatically and are now immune to the infectious disease, The News reported Monday.
“COVID-19 antibodies were absent from the blood of 17% of Karachiites who had contracted the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and tested positive for the viral infectious disease through the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test,” said haematologist and bone marrow transplant surgeon Prof Dr Tahir Sultan Shamsi.
He said that 68 of the 400 plasma donors who were infected with COVID-19 were tested through different methods but SARS-CoV-2 antibodies weren’t found in their blood.
“Our research shows that 17% of those who tested positive through the PCR test of various reputed labs didn’t develop COVID-19 antibodies. They were tested through the latest methods, and after comprehensive testing, it was concluded that despite getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, they couldn’t develop antibodies.”
He said this phenomenon is also being observed in other countries, as 8% of South Korea’s positive patients have not developed antibodies and 4% of China’s, but the absence of antibodies in 17% of Pakistan’s patients is quite a surprising discovery.
“But this doesn’t mean that these people aren’t immune against COVID-19 after getting infected with the coronavirus, as their bodies can provide immunity against it through memory T cells.”
Dr Shamsi, according to The News, maintained that it is unclear how long those who do have antibodies will remain immune to the antigen or the virus, saying that the presence of antibodies does not guarantee lifetime immunity.
‘Over 45% have contracted virus’
Citing the seroprevalence studies conducted at the National Institute of Blood Diseases in Karachi as well as by other health organisations, the health expert also claimed that over 45%, or even up to 50%, of Karachi’s population has silently, or asymptomatically, contracted the infection.
He also claimed that within a few weeks Karachi might be able to achieve herd immunity, where transmission of the virus in the community would almost come to a halt.
He said that the dramatic decline in positive cases, reduced hospitalisation, the decreasing number of deaths and the antibody tests done on around 2,300 people from three different segments of society in Karachi since April indicate that 45 to 50% of the city’s population has developed antibodies.
“Our research shows that 45 to 50% of Karachiites have been infected asymptomatically, and within the next few weeks 65-70% of the city’s population would have been infected, which is the minimum requirement for achieving herd immunity in the case of COVID-19.”
‘Immunity is also complicated’
Dr Faisal Mehmood of the Aga Khan University Hospital, who also sits on Sindh government’s coronavirus advisory body, said that the absence of COVID-19 antibodies in the blood of positive patients is not a big deal, saying that the lack of antibodies does not mean a person has not cleared the infection.
“There are many arms and parts of the immune system. Antibodies are only one of them. So, the lack of antibodies doesn’t mean you haven’t cleared the infection. Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is also complicated,” he said.
“You make many different types of antibodies, and not all of these are neutralising or able to block the virus. The kits used in the clinical lab are unable to differentiate between them and, hence, can’t be used to assess if a person is immune.”
And even if the antibodies are neutralising, he added, “we don’t know how long they last and what level needs to be maintained. Also, the place where the antibodies are — blood versus the nasal cavities — may be important”.
Dr Mehmood stressed that it is not as simple as only checking the antibodies in the blood to determine whether or not a person is immune.
The expert claims that millions have already contracted COVID-19 asymptomatically and are now immune to the infectious disease, The News reported Monday.
“COVID-19 antibodies were absent from the blood of 17% of Karachiites who had contracted the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and tested positive for the viral infectious disease through the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test,” said haematologist and bone marrow transplant surgeon Prof Dr Tahir Sultan Shamsi.
He said that 68 of the 400 plasma donors who were infected with COVID-19 were tested through different methods but SARS-CoV-2 antibodies weren’t found in their blood.
“Our research shows that 17% of those who tested positive through the PCR test of various reputed labs didn’t develop COVID-19 antibodies. They were tested through the latest methods, and after comprehensive testing, it was concluded that despite getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, they couldn’t develop antibodies.”
He said this phenomenon is also being observed in other countries, as 8% of South Korea’s positive patients have not developed antibodies and 4% of China’s, but the absence of antibodies in 17% of Pakistan’s patients is quite a surprising discovery.
“But this doesn’t mean that these people aren’t immune against COVID-19 after getting infected with the coronavirus, as their bodies can provide immunity against it through memory T cells.”
Dr Shamsi, according to The News, maintained that it is unclear how long those who do have antibodies will remain immune to the antigen or the virus, saying that the presence of antibodies does not guarantee lifetime immunity.
‘Over 45% have contracted virus’
Citing the seroprevalence studies conducted at the National Institute of Blood Diseases in Karachi as well as by other health organisations, the health expert also claimed that over 45%, or even up to 50%, of Karachi’s population has silently, or asymptomatically, contracted the infection.
He also claimed that within a few weeks Karachi might be able to achieve herd immunity, where transmission of the virus in the community would almost come to a halt.
He said that the dramatic decline in positive cases, reduced hospitalisation, the decreasing number of deaths and the antibody tests done on around 2,300 people from three different segments of society in Karachi since April indicate that 45 to 50% of the city’s population has developed antibodies.
“Our research shows that 45 to 50% of Karachiites have been infected asymptomatically, and within the next few weeks 65-70% of the city’s population would have been infected, which is the minimum requirement for achieving herd immunity in the case of COVID-19.”
‘Immunity is also complicated’
Dr Faisal Mehmood of the Aga Khan University Hospital, who also sits on Sindh government’s coronavirus advisory body, said that the absence of COVID-19 antibodies in the blood of positive patients is not a big deal, saying that the lack of antibodies does not mean a person has not cleared the infection.
“There are many arms and parts of the immune system. Antibodies are only one of them. So, the lack of antibodies doesn’t mean you haven’t cleared the infection. Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is also complicated,” he said.
“You make many different types of antibodies, and not all of these are neutralising or able to block the virus. The kits used in the clinical lab are unable to differentiate between them and, hence, can’t be used to assess if a person is immune.”
And even if the antibodies are neutralising, he added, “we don’t know how long they last and what level needs to be maintained. Also, the place where the antibodies are — blood versus the nasal cavities — may be important”.
Dr Mehmood stressed that it is not as simple as only checking the antibodies in the blood to determine whether or not a person is immune.
CricketCartoons
Senior T20I Player
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2014
- Runs
- 17,584
india will continue to have worst of everthing, because there is too much democracy and freedom. Jaahil people don't need freedom, they need danda.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
ISLAMABAD: The Phase III clinical trial of a Chinese-developed coronavirus vaccine has commenced in Pakistan under the supervision of the National Institute of Health (NIH), with some 8,000-10,000 candidates participating, the study's principal investigator, Maj Gen Aamer Ikram, announced on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference alongside Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, Maj Gen Ikram — who also holds the executive director position at NIH — said "it is an honour for us that we have launched the first-ever Phase III clinical trial of the coronavirus vaccine", formally called the Adenovirus Type 5 vector (Ad5-nCoV).
He noted that three of the nearly seven vaccines currently in their Phase III clinical trials were from China.
"CanSino Biologics Inc's vaccine is based on recombinant technology, which has a [deactivated] adenovector," he explained, referring to the mechanism of the vaccine developed by the Chinese biopharmaceutical company.
"The virus vector and cell culture have been procured from Canada. After that, it is made into a vaccine which, through recombinant technology, creates antibodies," he explained.
The study's principal investigator said the trial's first clinical phases saw tests carried out on animals and a subsequent Phase 1 clinical trial, which reviewed the vaccine's safety and efficacy on humans.
The initial clinical trials were "done in China at the start of the year and it [the vaccine] was [found to be] safe and immunogenic". A Phase 1 clinical trial carried out in China "produced great results", Maj Gen Ikram said.
Ikram explained that a Phase 2 trial — considered "a major trial" — was carried out on some 508 people and produced "greats results as well and was published in Lancet, which is considered to be one of the top medical journals".
The technology employed in the development of Ad5-nCoV was similar to the one used in the AstraZeneca Oxford trial — AZD1222 — except that the latter used the adenovector of chimpanzees' virus and the Chinese vaccine uses a human vector, he added.
It is important to note that the Oxford trials, however, are currently on a "temporary pause" due to "an unexplained illness" occurring in the study, the British multinational company AstraZeneca had announced earlier this month.
The officer assured that the trial in Pakistan was "totally quality assured", however.
"The real thing is the Phase 3 trial, which is a large and quite difficult project," he said.
"We're extremely grateful for the patronage from the NCOC [National Command and Operations Centre] and the Ministry of Health, both of which have supported us in fulfilling the government's requirements.
"[The Phase III clinical trial] has already commenced today and we have some 8,000-10,000 candidates and volunteers. There's a formal system for everything. There will be a medical examination, then the vaccine, and then a follow-up which will be done after 12 months.
"But we're expecting the vaccine results by four-to-six weeks and we will follow up with the candidates in the next three months and get to know the level to which antibodies were created and more about its [the vaccine's] safety,"
The NIH executive director said follow-ups will be done for almost a year "to see how long antibodies persist and whether a second dose is required".
However, previous published studies show that a single dose is sufficient and a second one is not recommended at the moment.
"We'll finally get to know as much as possible in the Phase 3 trial — its final efficacy and whether it has been proven [as effective against the coronavirus]."
"The vaccine will then be made available to the market and — let me just tell you — this is a vaccine that, at present, in China, has already been approved for the Chinese army and police and is being administered to them.
"That means its safety is ensured," Maj Gen Ikram stated.
"This is the kind of research that goes on around the world all the time. The time has come for Pakistan to benefit from this field — a billion-dollar industry — as much as possible!"
SAPM Dr Sultan, on the other hand, explained that Pakistan's participation in "this scientific process [will help] our medical system improve and our capability for future trials, as well as participating in trials for and development of new vaccines for new diseases, will improve".
"I believe this is a crucial moment and a public good initiative that offers a chance for everyone to benefit," the special assistant added. "I wish to congratulate our team, which brought the trial to where it is today, our collaborating partners, and the Pakistani nation for being part of this important step!"
Addressing a press conference alongside Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, Maj Gen Ikram — who also holds the executive director position at NIH — said "it is an honour for us that we have launched the first-ever Phase III clinical trial of the coronavirus vaccine", formally called the Adenovirus Type 5 vector (Ad5-nCoV).
He noted that three of the nearly seven vaccines currently in their Phase III clinical trials were from China.
"CanSino Biologics Inc's vaccine is based on recombinant technology, which has a [deactivated] adenovector," he explained, referring to the mechanism of the vaccine developed by the Chinese biopharmaceutical company.
"The virus vector and cell culture have been procured from Canada. After that, it is made into a vaccine which, through recombinant technology, creates antibodies," he explained.
The study's principal investigator said the trial's first clinical phases saw tests carried out on animals and a subsequent Phase 1 clinical trial, which reviewed the vaccine's safety and efficacy on humans.
The initial clinical trials were "done in China at the start of the year and it [the vaccine] was [found to be] safe and immunogenic". A Phase 1 clinical trial carried out in China "produced great results", Maj Gen Ikram said.
Ikram explained that a Phase 2 trial — considered "a major trial" — was carried out on some 508 people and produced "greats results as well and was published in Lancet, which is considered to be one of the top medical journals".
The technology employed in the development of Ad5-nCoV was similar to the one used in the AstraZeneca Oxford trial — AZD1222 — except that the latter used the adenovector of chimpanzees' virus and the Chinese vaccine uses a human vector, he added.
It is important to note that the Oxford trials, however, are currently on a "temporary pause" due to "an unexplained illness" occurring in the study, the British multinational company AstraZeneca had announced earlier this month.
The officer assured that the trial in Pakistan was "totally quality assured", however.
"The real thing is the Phase 3 trial, which is a large and quite difficult project," he said.
"We're extremely grateful for the patronage from the NCOC [National Command and Operations Centre] and the Ministry of Health, both of which have supported us in fulfilling the government's requirements.
"[The Phase III clinical trial] has already commenced today and we have some 8,000-10,000 candidates and volunteers. There's a formal system for everything. There will be a medical examination, then the vaccine, and then a follow-up which will be done after 12 months.
"But we're expecting the vaccine results by four-to-six weeks and we will follow up with the candidates in the next three months and get to know the level to which antibodies were created and more about its [the vaccine's] safety,"
The NIH executive director said follow-ups will be done for almost a year "to see how long antibodies persist and whether a second dose is required".
However, previous published studies show that a single dose is sufficient and a second one is not recommended at the moment.
"We'll finally get to know as much as possible in the Phase 3 trial — its final efficacy and whether it has been proven [as effective against the coronavirus]."
"The vaccine will then be made available to the market and — let me just tell you — this is a vaccine that, at present, in China, has already been approved for the Chinese army and police and is being administered to them.
"That means its safety is ensured," Maj Gen Ikram stated.
"This is the kind of research that goes on around the world all the time. The time has come for Pakistan to benefit from this field — a billion-dollar industry — as much as possible!"
SAPM Dr Sultan, on the other hand, explained that Pakistan's participation in "this scientific process [will help] our medical system improve and our capability for future trials, as well as participating in trials for and development of new vaccines for new diseases, will improve".
"I believe this is a crucial moment and a public good initiative that offers a chance for everyone to benefit," the special assistant added. "I wish to congratulate our team, which brought the trial to where it is today, our collaborating partners, and the Pakistani nation for being part of this important step!"
Slog
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2015
- Runs
- 28,984
- Post of the Week
- 1
It’s been going up recently
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,980
Middle school students in three of Pakistan's four provinces have returned to their classes this morning, kicking in the second phase of the government's planned three-phase reopening of educational institutions that have remained closed for over six months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
If all goes well, nursery and primary school classes will reopen on 30 September. Sindh province has meanwhile decided to delay the reopening of middle schools until 28 September.
Officials in the federal capital, Islamabad, said yesterday that middle schools were allowed to resume as the reopening of the higher classes on 15 September did not lead to any uptick in new infections.
During the first phase, safety precautions were enforced and more than 20 educational institutions were closed for various durations when some of their students or staff members tested positive for Covid-19.
Officials say such monitoring will continue in the second phase as well. Pakistan's decision to reopen educational institutions has come amid a steep decline in new infections since June.
If all goes well, nursery and primary school classes will reopen on 30 September. Sindh province has meanwhile decided to delay the reopening of middle schools until 28 September.
Officials in the federal capital, Islamabad, said yesterday that middle schools were allowed to resume as the reopening of the higher classes on 15 September did not lead to any uptick in new infections.
During the first phase, safety precautions were enforced and more than 20 educational institutions were closed for various durations when some of their students or staff members tested positive for Covid-19.
Officials say such monitoring will continue in the second phase as well. Pakistan's decision to reopen educational institutions has come amid a steep decline in new infections since June.
the Great Khan
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2005
- Runs
- 27,106
- Post of the Week
- 1
it was a Lockdown for a few weeks then they went to smart lockdowns and started to slowly open up parts of teh mazdoor economy..also providing social services to slums and the poor. they managed to stop mass migration from the cities to the villages and kept the virus's spread manageable. Also we had a really good track and trace due to anti terrorism and polio alleviation..
Lol, we acted exactly opposite to all those steps taken by you guys and no wonder that reflects in our respective current states and tally of the Pandemic.
Abdullah719
T20I Captain
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2013
- Runs
- 44,825
Dengue may provide some immunity against Covid-19, says study
A new study that analysed the coronavirus outbreak in Brazil has found a link between the spread of the virus and past outbreaks of dengue fever that suggests exposure to the mosquito-transmitted illness may provide some level of immunity against Covid-19.
The not yet published study led by Miguel Nicolelis, a professor at Duke University, and shared exclusively with Reuters, compared the geographic distribution of coronavirus cases with the spread of dengue in 2019 and 2020.
Places with lower Covid-19 infection rates and slower case growth were locations that had suffered intense dengue outbreaks this year or last, Nicolelis found.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1581224/dengue-may-provide-some-immunity-against-covid-19-says-study
Interesting.
A new study that analysed the coronavirus outbreak in Brazil has found a link between the spread of the virus and past outbreaks of dengue fever that suggests exposure to the mosquito-transmitted illness may provide some level of immunity against Covid-19.
The not yet published study led by Miguel Nicolelis, a professor at Duke University, and shared exclusively with Reuters, compared the geographic distribution of coronavirus cases with the spread of dengue in 2019 and 2020.
Places with lower Covid-19 infection rates and slower case growth were locations that had suffered intense dengue outbreaks this year or last, Nicolelis found.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1581224/dengue-may-provide-some-immunity-against-covid-19-says-study
Interesting.
the Great Khan
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2005
- Runs
- 27,106
- Post of the Week
- 1
TBH i think you guys should have been patient and waited. You had a window of about 4-6 weeks to create a smart response and with your tech industry, economic strength I would have expected a lot better. For example you could have got some tracing mechanism in place in the worst affected areas first, done local lockdowns, health messaging and used the civil armed forces to help.
I just feel Modi jumped the gun to look good and damned his poor..It was heartbreaking watching these poor people walking home..very sad.
Still time to do something as you seem to have controlled deaths..
Our deaths are not controlled. We still have over 1000 people dying daily and these are official numbers. You can very well imagine what would be the real numbers for a such a populous country like ours.
As for being smart, well that comes from education which unfortunately is totally lacking from our entire dispensation.
Similar threads
