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Coronavirus in Pakistan

Islamabad, GB and AJK collectively report 91 Covid-19 cases, 1 death

Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have collectively reported 91 coronavirus cases and one death during the last 24 hours.

Here is a breakdown of the cases recorded during this time period:

Islamabad: 36 cases, 1 death
GB: 36 cases
AJK: 19 cases

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Punjab reports 178 Covid-19 cases, 1 death

Punjab has reported 178 coronavirus cases and one death during the last 24 hours.

The provincial total has risen to 98,864 while the death toll is 2,229.

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Pakistan reports 348 coronavirus recoveries

Pakistan has reported 348 coronavirus during the last 24 hours, according to the government's portal for tracking the spread of the virus in the country.

The total has now risen to 294,740 while the recovery rate is 95.4 per cent.
 
Coronavirus numbers are fast rising and people need to take caution, warned Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday, as the positivity ration shot up to 3.6%, according to him.

Pakistan has started easing coronavirus curbs after infections in the country began to decline, according to government officials. The country's phase-wise reopening of educational institutions will also conclude on September 30.

The spokesperson, in a tweet, said that 10,881 coronavirus samples had been taken in the last 24 hours and the positivity rate of the tests came out 3.6%.

"As on 29.09.2020 at 8 AM (last 24 hours), a total of 10,881 #COVID19 test samples were taken in Sindh. Out of the samples taken, 400 people have tested positive which makes the positivity ratio 3.6%," he said.


"The numbers are rising fast & the people need to exercise care & caution PLEASE," he added.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/310599-coronavirus-numbers-rising-fast-in-sindh-warns-murtaza-wahab
 
ISLAMABAD: Karachi seems to be witnessing another spike in COVID-19 infections, with the National Command and Operations Center reporting that 365 out of 747 new cases recorded on September 29 were detected in the metropolis.

The unusual spike caught the attention of the national decision-making body and a meeting early on Wednesday discussed appropriate measures to contain the spike in cases.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan reportedly emphasised smart lockdown, contact tracing and a strict adherence to health protocols.

Read more: Coronavirus numbers rising fast in Sindh, warns Murtaza Wahab

Meanwhile, Secretary Health Sindh apprised the forum that civil administration is monitoring the situation and appropriate administrative actions will be taken after taking into account disease prevalence in consultation with all stakeholders.

Yesterday, Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab warned people to practice caution as coronavirus numbers are fast rising and people need to take caution.

Pakistan has started easing coronavirus curbs after infections in the country began to decline, according to government officials. The country's phase-wise reopening of educational institutions will also conclude on September 30.
 
3 restaurants in Karachi’s South district sealed for flouting SOPs

Three restaurants in Karachi’s South district have been sealed for failing to obey standard operating procedures (SOPs).

South district’s Deputy Commissioner Irshad Sodhar said that “none of the customers in the restaurant was wearing a mask, neither was there any social distancing”.

“Strict action is being taken against shopkeepers and restaurant owners for not following SOPs,” he added.
 
In the last 24 hours, 23 more Coronavirus patients in Pakistan became critical - a total of 490 patients are now in critical condition across the country
 
Pakistan reports 625 new cases in last 24 hours taking total cases to 313,431

31,697 tests conducted in last 24 hours

Infection rate of 1.97%
 
Sindh records 267 cases, 3 new deaths from Covid-19

267 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Sindh, taking the provincial tally to 138,050, according to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Three more people lost their lives from the virus, with Sindh's overall death toll rising to 2,520.

A total of 9,918 tests were carried out during the last 24 hours in Sindh, Shah said
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan has been labelled as one of the top ranked countries in Asia with the highest response to social protection during Covid-19 crisis, according to a study<a href="https://t.co/73X4CK5sVZ">https://t.co/73X4CK5sVZ</a></p>— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/dawn_com/status/1313319097548111873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan has been labelled as one of the top ranked countries in Asia with the highest response to social protection during Covid-19 crisis, according to a study<a href="https://t.co/73X4CK5sVZ">https://t.co/73X4CK5sVZ</a></p>— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/dawn_com/status/1313319097548111873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

nahin yay yahoodi zaazish hay, vote ko izat do..who needs social protections.."ve want subsidies and relief for paanch chay saal and then ve can vote for another showbaaz jageer daar!"
 
624 new Coronavirus cases reported in Pakistan in last 24 hours - taking total cases to 316,351

27,614 tests conducted in last 24 hours

Infection rate of 2.26%
 
National Command and Operation Centre issued new guidelines for marriage halls, saying that it was officially restricting the number of guests and limiting functions till 10pm.

• New rules for marriage halls;
• Events can only last for as long as 2 hours
• All events must end by 10pm
• Indoor events can have a maximum 300 guests
• Outdoor events can have a maximum 500 guests

Wedding halls will be sealed and imposed a heavy fine on if found to be violating Covid-19 SOPs - According to the NCOC, further discussion on public gatherings was underway and a decision regarding them will be made.
 
New Coronavirus cases in last 24 hours: 671
Total cases in Pakistan: 318,266
Tests in last 24 hours: 33,665

Infection rate: 1.99%
 
The number of coronavirus cases in Punjab has been on the rise and on October 10, data from the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) revealed that 203 people contracted the coronavirus, the highest number of people who tested positive for the infection in a single day, in almost two months.

A look at the data shows COVID-19 cases are steadily rising in October. Out of the first 10 days of the month, in seven days more than 100 cases of the virus were reported in the province.

Data on the number of coronavirus cases reported in Punjab during a single day obtained from the NCOC for the month of October

On October 9, Punjab reported 154 cases of the infection in a single day, the second-highest tally of the month so far.

On Saturday, October 10, 203 people tested positive for the virus — the highest number of persons contracting the virus since the last two months — and the highest tally of the month so far as well.

Data on the number of coronavirus cases reported in Punjab during a single day obtained from the NCOC for the month of September

The number of coronavirus cases started increasing after schools, colleges and educational institutions were reopened in a phased manner from September 15 in the province and around the country.

On September 26, 187 new cases of the virus were reported throughout the province, making it the month's highest tally in a single day for Punjab.

Data on the number of coronavirus cases reported in Punjab during a single day obtained from the NCOC for the month of August

A look at the figures from August show that the number of coronavirus cases in a single day in Punjab were comparatively high during the first two weeks, with 276 new cases of the virus reported in a single day on August 5 and before that, 235 on August 4.

Punjab considers reimposition of 'smart' lockdown amid rise in COVID-19 cases

The Punjab cabinet committee formed to combat the coronavirus threat in the province warned a few days ago that the number of COVID-19 patients and fatalities have been on the rise for the past few days.

The meeting was chaired by Punjab law minister Raja Basharat and attended by health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, trade minister Mian Aslam Iqbal and senior officials from concerned departments.

The gathering was informed that the previous wave of the infection hit Punjab after Sindh — and Karachi — and after a marked improvement, new cases and deaths are again climbing.

The meeting was also apprised that Gujranwala, Nankana Sahib and Gujarat are high risk districts and if people do not strictly abide by precautionary measures, a "smart lockdown may need to be imposed again in coronavirus hotspots.

The committee was told that safety protocols need to be tightened in Punjab, and that the citizens are found flouting the rules, especially at wedding halls and other public places, with no social distancing being observed.

The anti-coronavirus committee decided that the Punjab Health Department will formulate new safety protocols which should be fully implemented and a public awareness campaign should also be launched in this regard.

Raja Basharat said: "We are close to defeating coronavirus, however, people should exhibit responsibility and take the virus situation seriously."
 
New Coronavirus cases in last 24 hours: 671
Total cases in Pakistan: 318,266
Tests in last 24 hours: 33,665

Infection rate: 1.99%

I'm afraid but Pakistan doesn't seem to be testing enough. With just about 17,000 tests per million of population, Pakistan's testing rate is among the lowest in the world. It is a no-brainer that the more you test, the more cases you will find.

It's surprising, as at one point of time Pakistan was doing more tests than India. Now India seems to have left Pakistan far behind in testing.

Brazil, a country with a population more or less equal to that of Pakistan, is doing 85,000 tests per million and is ranked no 3 in the world in the number of cases.

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
 
We should not go gaga over how Pakistan has effectively controlled the coronavirus. The tally is low because people are not being tested and even those who have symptoms refuse to seek medical attention.
 
We should not go gaga over how Pakistan has effectively controlled the coronavirus. The tally is low because people are not being tested and even those who have symptoms refuse to seek medical attention.

What about the number of deaths?

<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>
 
What about the number of deaths?

<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>

Same. Deaths take place at home and bodies are buried right away.
 
We should not go gaga over how Pakistan has effectively controlled the coronavirus. The tally is low because people are not being tested and even those who have symptoms refuse to seek medical attention.

Same. Deaths take place at home and bodies are buried right away.

They must be burying in the back gardens then because the burial statistics do not show any significant increase like they show in India.
 
Country has seen significant rise in COVID-19 infection rate in 14 days: Umar

(Karachi) Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives Asad Umar has said that the positivity rate of novel coronavirus infections in Pakistan has been more than two percent for the past two weeks.

In a tweet on Sunday, the minister said after witnessing the positivity rate of less than two percent in coronavirus cases for the past six weeks, the country has seen a significant rise in infection rate in 14 days.

He maintained, “The mini Smart Lockdown has been re-imposed in Karachi, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, and other cities. The administration has been directed to ensure security measures across the country.”

However, he said, “Success is still impossible without the support of the people.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan also warned of a looming “second wave” of the Covid-19 pandemic and advised the countrymen to wear face masks in public to avert the virus spread.

The PM stated there is a fear that onset of winter could result in second wave of coronavirus. He said as compared to some other states, Allah has been kind to us in Pakistan and spared us from the worst effects of COVID-19.

Imran Khan urged everyone to wear face masks in public to avoid a spike and said all offices and educational institutions must ensure that masks are worn.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/4002...se-in-covid-19-infection-rate-in-14-days-umar
 
Same. Deaths take place at home and bodies are buried right away.

buried where? even if they are buried straight away we would be hearing about the deaths. In a country like Pakistan you cannot hide deaths. Its not something you do quietley. This thing can kill neighbourhoods off in densely populated countries!!

Please do a bit more research ..
 
Authorities in Pakistan's densely populated financial capital Karachi have ordered more than 20 daily markets to close indefinitely amid fears of a rise in Covid infections as winter approaches.

The "bachat" (savings) bazaars told to shut are all in central Karachi, where cases are higher than average. In recent weeks city authorities have enforced "micro lockdowns" in more than two dozen areas.

The markets were launched in the 1980s to provide food, clothing and other goods at cheaper prices for the less well-off.

Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital, has less than a quarter of Pakistan's population but accounts for nearly half of its total coronavirus infections and deaths.

Last month, most bazaars started to reopen after a strict lockdown was eased in Karachi and other urban centres in Sindh.
 
Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has urged the nation to take standard operating procedures (SOPs) for curbing the spread of the coronavirus seriously once again in the face of a rising positivity rate.

"National positivity of Covid cases was 2.37 per cent. This is the highest positivity rate in more than 50 days. The last time this level was seen was on August 23."

Umar also highlighted an increase in virus deaths. "The average number of Covid deaths during the first four days of this week was 11 per day, the highest since the week of August 10. Unmistakable signs of the rise of corona."
 
Pakistan reports 755 new Coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours - the highest single-day increase in 21 days
 
Has the COVID-19 pandemic been managed well in Pakistan?

Not sure if there is a thread already for this but had the current pandemic been managed well in Pakistan?

Not just talking about PTI and the provincial govtents but also from a social perspective and from private enterprises.

What has been done well and what has been lacking?
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56384; <a href="https://t.co/VdYMopBXPo">pic.twitter.com/VdYMopBXPo</a></p>— Atif Mian (@AtifRMian) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtifRMian/status/1317843246240989184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Punjab reports highest Covid-19 deaths in three months

LAHORE: The Punjab province recorded its highest daily number of coronavirus-related deaths in three months on Monday, as per the official tally.

On October 19, the province carried out 8,623 tests – its lowest in a month – but recorded 108 new cases, while 12 people died from the deadly virus in 24 hours.

This brought the tally of positive cases in Punjab, since the start of the outbreak in late February, to 101,760 and 2,310 people have died to date.

Despite the climbing mortality, the province’s positivity rate has remained low.

On October 18, its test positive percentage was 0.9%. Punjab’s districts to report the highest test positive rate were Gujranwala and Multan. Both recorded a positivity percentage of 2.3% on October 18, as per the report of the World Health Organisation.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the test positive ration in Sindh’s Hyderabad jumped to 24.2%, while the second-highest was recorded in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Muzaffarabad of 20.4%.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/314166-punjab-reports-highest-covid-19-deaths-in-three-months
 
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reached a coronavirus positivity rate of 2.58% on October 21, its highest in over two months.

According to the official tally, on Wednesday of the 28,534 tests sampled, 736 came back positive.

To date, Pakistan has a total of 324,744 coronavirus cases and 6692 deaths nationwide.

Government officials have expressed concern about the rising positivity ratio in the country, even though it is still below the 5% threshold set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Last week, Asad Umar, the minister for planning and development, called it “unmistakable signs of rising of coronavirus” when the positivity hit 2.37% on October 15.

Read more: Another lockdown?: NCOC sounds clear warning COVID-19 is slipping out of control

However, on Wednesday, the positivity percentage further hiked up to 2.58%. The last time Pakistan reported a percentage higher than this was on August 19 at 2.68%.

Also in the last three days, Pakistan had been reporting deaths in double digits every day, unlike in September when the death toll stayed largely in single digits.

While of the 883 virus-related hospitalisations in the country, 67% are in critical condition, notes the WHO in a report.

NCOC issues warning

Warning that there is an urgent and immediate need to ensure the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for coronavirus prevention, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) had on Wednesday noted that there has been a clear resurgence in virus cases and deaths.

Read more: Coronavirus rules: Govt bars public gatherings in cities with 6-9% positivity ratio

"NCOC is closely monitoring the situation. If there is no improvement in SOPs compliance observed, NCOC will have no choice but to revert to strict measures leading to re-closures of services," read a statement issued by the NCOC.

The statement said the NCOC, during a special session held to monitor the increasing, had noted a "clear resurgence in coronavirus" and noted the rising death rate attributable to COVID-19.



https://www.geo.tv/latest/314541-pa...vity-rate-spikes-to-258-highest-in-two-months
 
Two days after issuing a lockdown warning and calling for better compliance with Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Friday noted an increase in the country's positivity rate, virus-related deaths and hospital admissions.

During the morning session of the forum, health officials presented data on the country's Covid outbreak.

The forum noted that the positivity ratio had risen for the fifth consecutive day, a statement issued by the NCOC said. The average positivity rate is 40 per cent higher during the last four days, the statement said, adding that deaths were also increasing.

"It was also noted that Muzaffarabad, Hyderabad, Karachi and Gilgit-Baltistan have a higher positivity ratio along with other areas across the country."

Hospital admissions are also on the increase particularly in Punjab, the forum was told. There is also an increase in the number of critical patients at hospitals, the statement said.

The Punjab chief secretary shared data on the province's Covid-19 outbreak during the meeting. "The death ratio in Punjab was 1.6 on September 1 and has now gone up to six. Meanwhile, the province's positivity ratio has increased from 0.92 to 1.33," the statement said.

An analysis of the fatality rate showed that Pakistan's figure stood at 2.06 per cent as compared to the global 2.72pc.

"[In Pakistan] Men account for 71pc of the total deaths. Of these, 76pc are over the age of 50," the NCOC said.

The increase in Covid-19 indicators comes two days after the NCOC warned it would close down services once again if the public continued to flout SOPs for curbing the spread of the virus.

Declaring the transport sector, markets, marriage halls, restaurants and public gatherings as high-risk areas, the centre had advised provinces to focus on them and take steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

Pakistan's coronavirus cases and deaths have seen a spike in recent days. According to data collected by Dawn.com, Punjab and Islamabad have reported more than 100 cases for the past four days. Punjab has also seen an increase in the number of deaths during the past few days.

Earlier this week, ministers warned the nation against flouting Covid guidelines. "Last week, daily Covid mortality [rate] was 12. This is a 140 per cent increase versus few weeks back," Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar — who oversees the NCOC — had said.

Umar had warned that if people continued to violate SOPs, "we will lose both lives and livelihoods". His views were echoed by Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari.

"It is an act of extreme selfishness not to wear masks as you endanger not only yourself but also your family, associates, workers and everyone you come into contact with," she had said.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Imran Khan said he feared a second wave of Covid-19 in the coming months in cities where pollution levels are high.

“I fear that in these two months — October and November [...] cities like Faisalabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Gujranwala where there is more pollution [...] there might be a second spike in coronavirus cases. The cases are rising gradually and we hope that they don’t increase quickly; we are monitoring it,” he told participants at an award ceremony.
 
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday, after continuous warnings of rising Covid-19 cases across the country, made it compulsory for all citizens to wear a face mask when stepping out of their homes.

The directive comes a day after Pakistan's active cases surpassed the 11,000 mark and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan announced that the second wave of the deadly virus had started in the country.
 
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday, after continuous warnings of rising Covid-19 cases across the country, made it compulsory for all citizens to wear a face mask when stepping out of their homes.

The directive comes a day after Pakistan's active cases surpassed the 11,000 mark and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan announced that the second wave of the deadly virus had started in the country.

29d07393-b5de-4626-9004-9055d7b8e42b.jpg
 
Sindh reports 473 new cases, highest daily jump since August

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah says Covid-19 has “started hitting new highs again”; total infections rise to 145,238.
 
Govt sounds alarm as Covid cases hit 70-day high

Planning Minister Asad Umar urged the people on Thursday to take precautions and follow Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) to control the “rising spread” of the pandemic, as the number of newly reported coronavirus cases touched the highest level in 70 days.

The minister sounded alarm in a tweet after the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) reported 908 new cases of the deadly virus during the last 24 hours, raising the number of total active Covid-19 cases in Pakistan to 11,695. The virus also claimed the lives of 16 more people.

“After more than 70 days the national covid positivity ratio was higher than 3% yesterday. Ncoc has tightened restrictions on some high risk public activities. However, the rising spread of the disease can only be controlled if people believe in the need for precautions,” Umar, who heads the NCOC, wrote.

On Wednesday, the NCOC – the nerve centre of the government’s unified effort to control the pandemic – noted that the spread of the virus in 11 major cities. The forum made it mandatory to wear face masks in public places.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2270406/govt-sounds-alarm-as-covid-cases-hit-70-day-high-1
 
LAHORE: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday reduced the number of countries from where passengers were allowed to enter Pakistan without a coronavirus test.

The latest travel advisory divides international travellers into two categories where category A will not need a negative COVID-19 test while those in category B will be required to undergo coronavirus screening 96 hours prior to boarding a flight to Pakistan.

Keeping in view a COVID-19 surge across the globe, the number of countries in category A has been reduced from 30 to 22. These include Singapore, China, Cuba, Estonia, Japan, Ghana, Norway, Turkey, Vietnam, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka and others.

The new advisory requires airlines to ensure the coronavirus SOPs are followed and has made it mandatory for passengers to fill out the health declaration form.

The notification has been issued by CAA’s director air transport and will be valid from November 6 till December 31.

COVID-19 surge

Global daily COVID-19 cases have risen by nearly 25% in less than two weeks as the world witnessed 400,000 daily reported cases for the first time last Friday.

Most western countries and parts of Latin America have reported their highest single-day surges in the past few weeks. Many governments, with the notable exception of the United States, have started taking stronger measures to bring the spread of the virus under control.

Europe, North America and Latin America account for over 66% of global cases and over 76% of global deaths.

Europe’s new daily infections have doubled over the past two weeks as it reported more than 250,000 cases for the first time on Wednesday, according to a Reuters tally. The region has so far reported about 9.5 million cases and about 261,000 deaths.

The United States continues to lead the worldwide coronavirus tally with about 8.9 million infections and about 228,000 fatalities since the pandemic started.

The United States is reporting about 75,000 cases a day on an average, according to a Reuters analysis and its death toll from COVID-19 could surpass 500,000 by February unless nearly all Americans wear face masks, researchers said.

Asia surpassed 10 million infections of the new coronavirus on Saturday, the second-heaviest regional toll in the world, according to a Reuters tally, as cases continue to mount in India despite a slowdown and sharp declines elsewhere.

India, the world’s second most populous country as well as the second worst affected country, is reporting about 48,000 cases a day on an average with a total of about 8 million cases, according to a Reuters tally.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/315948-ca...-allowed-to-enter-pakistan-without-covid-test
 
Due to a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases across the province, the Sindh government has once against warned the public to take precautionary measures against the disease and cooperate with the authorities.

On Tuesday, 521 new cases were reported in the province, taking the positivity ratio of the virus to 6.6% within a day. According to Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, the province's virus death toll now stands at 2,639, translating into a 1.8% death rate.

Reiterating the importance of following the coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs), Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab said that the authorities took some crucial decisions in March this year to contain the spread of the virus.

“At that time, citizens fully cooperated with the government regarding the implementation of the SOPs,” Wahab said. “As a result, Sindh successfully controlled the pandemic, confining the number of cases to one per cent.”

Wahab added that the decline in the number of cases led to the widespread belief that the virus had disappeared from Pakistan, which is far from true.

“Coronavirus is still present all over the country and is still attacking people. The worrisome part is that the virus is rapidly spreading in Sindh, increasing to 6.5% the past day.”

He stressed people must wear masks and practice social distancing when leaving their houses.

“With winter just around the corner, cough and cold is becoming more common, therefore, everyone should wear a mask at all times to cooperate with the government,” he appealed to the people of Sindh.

“Take special care when visiting crowded spaces like shopping malls, wedding venues, and restaurants, among others. We have to take care of ourselves and our families as well as the whole society.”

Pakistan on Tuesday recorded a 4.94% COVID-19 positivity rate — the highest in three months. Data from the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) show that 1,313 new cases were identified across the country, bringing the total tally to 337,573. The country's death toll stands at 6,867 as 18 people succumbed to the virus in the past 24 hours.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/316866-murtaza-wahab-warns-sindh-as-covid-19-cases-rise-to-65-per-cent
 
Sindh reports 556 cases and 17 deaths, highest daily totals since end-July

556 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Sindh, the highest daily jump in infections since July 29, when the province registered 654 cases.

Sindh's case tally now stands at 148,343, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said in a statement.

The province also recorded 17 deaths during the past 24 hours, a three-month record. The last time Sindh had more deaths was on July 30. The provincial death toll has risen to 2,664.

A total of 11,530 tests were carried out during the last 24 hours, showing that Sindh's positivity rate has climbed to nearly five per cent.
 
The first positive case of the coronavirus in Pakistan has been reported in Karachi, a spokesperson for the Sindh Health Department confirmed on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old male patient, identified as Yahya Jaffri, travelled to Iran where he acquired the virus, Media Coordinator to the Health and Population Welfare Minister Meeran Yousuf said in a statement.

The patient travelled from Iran to Karachi by plane. He and his family have been placed in quarantine and the Health Department is in the process of examining all the passengers that he travelled with.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1536792/p...navirus-reported-in-karachi-sindh-health-dept

ISLAMABAD: With the second wave of Covid-19 intensifying, the number of coronavirus cases being reported on a daily basis crossed the 1,500 mark for the first time since July on Saturday.

As many as 1,763 cases were reported on July 23 after which the number gradually fell to fewer than 300 in September. The country saw the highest number of daily cases on June 14 when 6,825 people contracted the virus.
 
Sindh reported 720 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the provincial tally to 152,072.

A total of 720 new coronavirus cases were reported across Sindh in the past 24 hours, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said on Wednesday.

The chief minister said 14 people died due to the virus bringing the provincial death toll to 2,704. With 449 people recovering from the virus since yesterday, the total number of recovered patients stands at 141,446.

CM Murad said 11,146 tests were conducted across the province.

National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday issued fresh restrictions in a bid to control the rapidly increasing second wave of coronavirus infections across the country.

The NCOC has recommended limiting all public gatherings to 500 people, including cultural, political, religious, entertainment, and civil gatherings.

The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, was told that the virus increased three-folds since the NCOC recommended banning large public gatherings and outdoor activities on October 12 and November 3 to the National Coordination Committee (NCC) for its final decision.

"However, consensus by all stakeholders is awaited," read a statement issued on Wednesday.

The body has suggested notifying early and extending winter vacations to federal and provincial education departments, keeping in view the rising positivity rate in educational institutions. Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood will be chairing a special meeting with his provincial counterparts at the NCOC on November 16 to assess and review the positivity prevailing in educational institutions.

The forum has recommended only outdoor dining be allowed till 10 pm while cinemas and theatres will be closed immediately. Shrines will also be temporarily closed with immediate effect. Only outdoor weddings with a capacity of 500 people be will allowed from November 20.

The NCOC also wants early closing of markets and safe days.

"After consultative discussions, the recommendations would be shared with the provinces for consequent decision and enforcement," said the NCOC in a statement. "The body has recommended urgent and emergency measures to the NCC for final approval after consensus by all stakeholders."

Appreciating COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) compliance in mosques, the NCOC noted a "decline in compliance at present and appealed to all stakeholders to further follow the same rather enhance amid possible second wave".
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MashaAllah the country is moving in the right direction despite the Covid 19 challenge. <a href="https://t.co/xPhB9LEleY">pic.twitter.com/xPhB9LEleY</a></p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1326778293232820229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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390 Covid-19 cases, 9 deaths reported in Punjab
The government's database for tracking the spread of coronavirus in the country shows that 390 Covid-19 cases and nine additional fatalities were reported in Punjab in the last 24 hours.

This has taken the provincial tally of cases to 108,221 and death toll to 2,438.
 
Sindh has reported 979 new cases and 14 deaths in the past 24 hours from coronavirus - of these 789 cases were in Karachi
 
Pakistan reports highest number of daily Covid-19 cases since July

Pakistan has reported 2,304 coronavirus during the last 24 hours, the highest number of daily cases since July and more than a 27 per cent increase over the previous day's cases of 1,808.

The virus also claimed the lives of 37 people across the country in the last 24 hours, data collected by Dawn.com shows. Covid-19 deaths have sharply increased during the current month.
 
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan saw a significant rise in the number of daily Covid-19 cases on Friday after 2,304 people tested positive during the last 24 hours, the highest tally since July.

In a related development, the Cabinet Division issued a notification detailing measures to be taken in government offices in the wake of growing number of cases.

Friday’s count was a 27 per cent increase from the previous day’s figure of 1,808. The deadly virus claimed 37 lives across the country in the last 24 hours.

One of the casualties was MPA from Sindh Jam Madad Ali who reportedly died of complications from Covid-19.

The 58-year-old PPP leader had tested positive 15 days ago and was admitted to a private hospital in Karachi for treatment.

Another parliamentarian and former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also contracted the virus.

This was confirmed by the senior PPP leader’s son in a statement. He said his father had suspended all political activities and sought prayers from party workers and supporters for his recovery.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre, Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have collectively reported 462 coronavirus cases and four deaths during the last 24 hours.

As many as 357 people tested positive and five died in Islamabad while Azad Kashmir saw 98 cases and two deaths. Gilgit-Baltistan reported seven new cases.

On the other hand, 601 more people in Punjab were infected by the virus while 17 died. The number of cases in the province has reached 108,822 with the death toll standing at 2,455.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan have collectively reported 262 coronavirus cases and two deaths.

In KP, 214 people were infected with one life lost. As a result the provincial tally of cases has risen to 41,471 with 1,303 deaths.

In Balochistan, 48 new cases were detected which took the count to 16,274. The death toll rose to 155 after another person fell victim to Covid-19.

Sindh has reported 822 positive cases after which the total number of infected people has been recorded at 153,874.

According to the daily statement issued by the Chief Minister House, four more people succumbed to the virus in Sindh, taking the overall death tally to 2,722.

The statement said 10,614 samples were tested in the last 24 hours in the province out of which results of 822 people came back positive. The positivity rate was recorded at 7.7 per cent.

Cabinet Division notification
The Cabinet Division issued a notification under which 50 per cent staff would have to work from home.

The notification said additional secretary-I and II could decide about the attendance of their respective joint secretaries on rotation basis. However, those joint secretaries not attending office would work from home and not leave the station.

Similarly, joint secretaries may take a decision about the 50 per cent attendance of their respective deputy secretaries and section officers on rotation basis.

The officers working from home may depute one official in their office to handle the files and remain available on phone.

The notification said it was mandatory for all officers and other employees to wear masks. Any officer or official feeling sick or showing virus symptoms will immediately inform their respective head to seek approval for isolation.

Files shall be processed through e-filing while handling of hard files should be avoided. In case a hard file needs to be carried, the staff should ensure they are sanitised. Inter-office meetings or discussions shall preferably be done through video conferencing or over the phone. If meetings are considered very necessary, seats should be arranged in a way that a distance of at least one metre is ensured between them.

No visitor will be allowed to visit the office without prior permission of the relevant officer, communicated to the reception desk by the respective officer.

The staff would also ensure sanitisation of the officers’ room, table and chairs and avoid handshakes or close contact.

The notification also directed that the office premises should be sanitised twice daily.

Young people more vulnerable
According to a study compiled by the Punjab government, people in the age bracket of 31-45 were more vulnerable to the virus which was followed by those falling in the age group of 16-30.

The latest study has contradicted the earlier reports that the younger generation was less vulnerable to coronavirus.

One of the reasons for high prevalence of the virus among people of these age groups was their involvement in outdoor activities.

A senior health department official said most people in these age groups attended educational institutions, did jobs or ran businesses. As a result, they were exposed to their colleagues and fellow students and also did not adopt any preventive measure. Being asymptomatic, they transmit virus to their elderly family members or multiply positive cases in utter ignorance.

The official said such people should therefore take extraordinary precautions by wearing masks and reducing their outdoor activities.

Statistics show that out of the total confirmed cases in Punjab, 32,060 people were in the 31-45 age group while 29,849 were from other age brackets.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2020
 
Pakistan reports 2,443 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours - the highest single day jump in cases since July 13
 
'This is the time to take care,' PM Imran urges caution to control second Covid-19 wave

Prime Minister Imran Khan briefed the nation on Monday after a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) regarding the spread of the coronavirus.

He urged the people to strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Covid-19, saying cases in Pakistan have increased by four times.

"This is the time to take precautions. If we do, we can slow down the virus. Just like earlier we were saved due to following precautions, that time has come again," he said.

The premier said the entire world was seeing a second wave of the virus and in some countries like the United States and England, infections had surpassed those seen during the first wave. Some Western countries are imposing lockdowns again to control the virus's spread, he added.

He said the government had been monitoring the trends of the spread of the virus in the country, but noted that Pakistan had been "very lucky" during the first wave of Covid-19.

"We were specially blessed by Allah. We are a very lucky nation; look at Iran and Iran. We managed to avoid the destruction that coronavirus caused in other countries," he said.

Prime Minister Imran said not only had Pakistan been able to avoid widespread deaths, but its economy was also salvaged when compared to other nations.

"But sadly we have seen that our cases have risen by four times in the past two weeks. The 6-7 deaths that we were having per day have climbed to 25," he said.

Considering the fast pace of current hospitalisations, he said, the government was concerned that hospitals in major cities would be full like in June if people didn't follow the SOPs.

The premier said it was being reported that the virus had mutated and was spreading "at an even greater speed", and expressed the fear the situation in Pakistan could worsen even more than in June — when the country saw its first peak of Covid-19.

He said the easiest safety precaution that everyone must take is to wear a face mask when out in public, which can help slow the spread of the virus.

He also stressed that efforts must be made to avoid any crowds because they often result in a large number of people getting infected.

"We also have to save our economy. For instance, India suffered a huge loss because of the kind of lockdown they imposed [...] They have still not been able to recover from it.

"We recovered earlier because we took precautions early and when we started opening up [the economy], the people followed SOPs," he added.

Prime Minister Imran said the "biggest example" of the government and the public combating Covid-19 together was that Pakistan was the only country in the world that kept its mosques open during Ramazan. "This [virus] didn't spread from the mosques because our imams and ulemas urged worshippers to follow SOPs," he added.

Ruling out the closure of factories, shops and "anything that affects people's livelihoods", the premier stressed that all businesses must follow the recommended SOPs. He said the government will monitor the implementation of SOPs and the Tiger Force will be directed to report violations.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1590712/t...urges-caution-to-control-second-covid-19-wave
 
COVID-19 scare: Govt has decided to ban political rallies, public gatherings across country, says PM

(Karachi) Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that in wake of the rapid increase in coronavirus cases, the government has decided to ban all political rallies and public gatherings across the country, ARY News reported. The PM added that he also cancelled his visit to Rashakai on November 21 where he was scheduled to inaugurate Rashakai Economic Zone.

Addressing the nation on current COVID-19 situation after NCC meeting on Monday, Imran said that as part of measures to contain COVID-19, the government has decided to restrict gatherings in large numbers. “We will urge the opposition to cancel mass gatherings in line with government’s decision,” he stated.

Imran maintained that the coronavirus has infected several people during the election campaign in Gilgit Baltistan.

“Coronavirus is spreading fast and with severe intensity. If measures are not taken in time, the virus will affect more people and eventually it will create pressure on the health facilities,” the prime minister said.

He said, “In America, the coronavirus cases have risen beyond the first peak and we see the same in England. They have started lockdowns; just like they shut down their countries earlier, they’ve gone towards the lockdowns again.”

The premier said, “We were observing how many cases were there in the provinces. So, first off, I wish to tell you that God was especially benevolent towards us. We are a very lucky nation — see our neighbours Iran and India — so God was especially kind to Pakistan, we were saved from the havoc the coronavirus wreaked in the rest of the world and in our neighbouring countries.”

“However, our service sector sustained a lot of damage — for example, tourism, marriage halls, and restaurants — this is quite a large sector and it was hit significantly when we shut down our economy. Despite that, Pakistan — as opposed to the rest of the countries — performed way better during the first wave,” the premier noted.

He mentioned that coronavirus cases have increased four times in the last 10 days which is an alarming situation. He urged the nation to take precautionary measures and follow SOPs to curb spread of novel coronavirus.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/4003...lies-public-gatherings-across-country-says-pm
 
Pakistan

A total of 2,208 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 363,380. With 37 new deaths, the country's coronavirus death toll reached 7,230. So far, a total of 325,788 people have recovered from the virus while the active number of cases stands at 30,362.

With 38,544 tests conducted across Pakistan, the positivity rate has reached 5.3%
 
The United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended the issuance of visit visas to a dozen countries, including Pakistan, until further notice, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri confirmed on Wednesday.

The decision by the UAE authorities is "believed to be related to the second wave of Covid-19", Chaudhri said in a statement.

"We are seeking official confirmation from the concerned UAE authorities in this regard," he said.

In a statement, Chaudhri clarified that the suspension will not apply to visas that have already been issued.

The development was confirmed by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, who said that written instructions had not been issued to the airline so far. He said that people holding iqama, transit and work visas were still allowed entry in the UAE.

It was not immediately clear how many categories of visas would be affected by the suspension. The UAE has various visa categories including business, tourist, transit, student etc.

In June, when cases in Pakistan were on the rise, UAE airline Emirates had announced temporary suspension of passenger services from Pakistan till July 3. The decision came after around 30 Pakistanis who arrived in Hong Kong onboard an Emirates flight tested positive for the virus. The airline resumed its flights in July.

In August, Kuwait's aviation banned commercial flights to 31 countries, including Pakistan, regarded as 'high risk' due to the spread of the coronavirus

The number of infections has been rising in Pakistan since late last month and authorities have declared that the country was witnessing the second wave of Covid-19.

For the past six days, Pakistan has recorded more than 2,000 daily cases of the novel coronavirus and officials have warned that the positivity rate of the disease has increased, especially in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Hyderabad etc.

On Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan had urged the people to "act as a nation" in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The premier announced new restrictions on public events, including the suspension of his party's political rallies, and stressed the implementation of mask-wearing and social distancing to control the spread of the virus.

"This is the time to take precautions. If we do, we can slow down the virus. Just like earlier we were saved due to following precautions, that time has come again," he said, noting that Covid-19 cases in Pakistan had increased by four times in the past two weeks.
 
Pakistan reports more than 3,000 cases for second straight day

Pakistan has reported 3,306 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, a day after it confirmed more than 3,000 daily infections for the first time since July.

The countrywide breakdown of daily infections is as follows:

Punjab: 720 cases
Sindh: 1,348 cases
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 514 cases
Balochistan: 51 cases
Islamabad: 576 cases
Gilgit-Baltistan: 10 cases
Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 87 cases

https://www.dawn.com/live-blog/
 
Spike in COVID-19 cases in Peshawar after PDM rally: KP Govt

PESHAWAR: After Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) public meeting in Peshawar the novel coronavirus spreading rapidly in the city, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government said in a statement on Saturday.

“PDM public meeting led to coronavirus infections in organizers, the leadership and party workers,” provincial government spokesperson Kamran Bangash said.

The public meeting in Peshawar caused hike in number of coronavirus cases, “We pray for the recovery of all patients,” the spokesman stated.

“It is our national responsibility to follow precautionary measures,” he said.

“The government tried its best to convince the opposition to behave with sanity. Now their irresponsible attitude has inflicted irreparable loss,” Bangash observed.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on November 26, had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Confirming the news through his Twitter handle, Bilawal had said that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and had gone into self-isolation with mild symptoms.

Awami National Party (ANP) leader Samar Haroon Bilour also tested positive for the novel coronavirus a few days after attending PDM public meeting in Peshawar.

The local administration had denied permission to Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) rally in Peshawar on Nov. 22, in which violation of the COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) were reported, with concerns that it will become a super spreader event amid the second wave of the disease in the country.

The Government of Punjab has also decided against issuing permission to the opposition alliance for public meetings in the province.

It is to be mentioned here that the PDM has issued its schedule of holding a public rally in Multan on November 30 and flexing its political muscles at Lahore’s Minar-e-Pakistan ground on December 13.

The opposition parties alliance in its movement against the government had earlier held big public meetings at Gujranwala, Karachi and Quetta.

https://arynews.tv/en/spike-covid-19-cases-peshawar-pdm-rally-kp-govt/
 
Pakistan Reports 3,045 COVID Infections in 24 Hours

Confirmed cases rise to 392,356 against 337,553 recoveries and 7,942 deaths, leaving 46,861 active cases

Pakistan on Saturday recorded 3,045 new infections of the novel coronavirus after conducting 48,223 tests—a positivity ratio of 6.49 percent.

Seven players of the national cricket squad have tested positive for COVID-19 while on tour in New Zealand. According to the New Zealand Health Ministry, the seven—whose identities have yet to be disclosed—tested positive during “routine testing.” The team has temporarily been barred from training, with health officials set to reconsider the ban next week.

Pakistan is now in the midst of a second wave of the coronavirus, but has yet to fully utilize its claimed testing capacity of 74,407, with daily testing still significantly below numbers proposed by global health experts. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan’s testing policies likely only record the most symptomatic patients while ignoring the spread among asymptomatic carriers, which studies suggest comprise the majority of infections nationwide.

Confirmed Cases, Total – 392,356 (Tests: 5,435,139)

Punjab – 117,898

Sindh – 170,206

Balochistan – 17,046

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa – 46,604

Islamabad – 29,427

Gilgit-Baltistan – 4,619

Pakistan-administered Kashmir – 6,556

Deaths – 7,942

Recoveries – 337,553

In the 24 hours preceding 8 a.m., Saturday, Pakistan’s confirmed cases climbed to 392,356. Meanwhile, deaths increased by 45 to 7,942. At the same time, recoveries increased by 1,672 to 337,553, or 86 percent of total infections. There are currently 46,861 active cases of COVID-19 in the country, with the NCOC reporting 2,172 of them are in critical condition.

Punjab

On Saturday, authorities reported 15 deaths due to the coronavirus, raising total casualties to 2,960. The province now has 117,898 confirmed cases; it reported 738 new infections after conducting 21,515 tests, a positivity ratio of 3.43 percent. There were 98 new recoveries recorded, leaving 98,289 fully recovered, and 16,649 active cases of the virus.

Sindh

Confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Sindh have now climbed to 170,206; it reported 1,423 new infections on Saturday after conducting 12,226 tests, a positivity ratio of 11.64 percent. The province reported 12 new deaths, raising toll to 2,897, while its recoveries rose by 802 to 149,115. Overall, the province now has 18,194 active cases of the novel coronavirus.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

In the past 24 hours, the provincial government has recorded 323 new infections after conducting 5,531 tests, a positivity ratio of 5.84 percent. Overall, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s confirmed cases have climbed to 46,604. It recorded 9 new deaths, raising toll to 1,355, while its recoveries have risen by 277 to 41,477. There are currently 3,772 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.

Balochistan

The province on Saturday raised its confirmed cases to 17,046 with 38 new infections after conducting 706 tests, a positivity ratio of 5.38 percent. There were no deaths and 30 recoveries in the past 24 hours, leaving 165 fatalities and 16,244 fully recovered. There are now 637 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.

Federal Areas

Islamabad on Saturday raised its confirmed coronavirus cases by 447 to 29,427 after conducting 7,446 tests; a positivity ratio of 6 percent. There were 2 deaths and 334 recoveries in the past 24 hours, leaving 307 casualties; 23,092 recovered; and 6,028 active cases.

Confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday increased by 21 to 4,619 after conducting 295 tests, a positivity ratio of 7.12 percent. The region reported 1 new death and 28 recoveries, leaving 97 fatalities and 4,347 fully recovered people. There are currently 175 active cases of COVID-19 in the region.

In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, confirmed cases rose by 55 to 6,556 after conducting 504 tests, a positivity ratio of 10.91 percent. There were 103 recoveries and 6 deaths in the past 24 hours, leaving 161 fatalities and 4,989 fully recovered. It now has 1,406 active cases of COVID-19.

Global situation

Globally, the virus has now infected more than 61,988,071 people, with over 1,449,114 reported deaths. After a devastating first wave, the world is now reeling from a second wave of the coronavirus, with many countries imposing fresh lockdowns or targeted closures in a bid to curb its spread ahead of the upcoming winter holidays. Overall, around 42,788,667 patients of the 61.9 million+ infected have recovered thus far.

https://www.newsweekpakistan.com/pakistan-reports-3045-covid-infections-in-24-hours/
 
so why hasn't Pakistan hit the 100,000 testing a day mark yet? whats stopping them.


and whats happening with the vaccination they bought from china- is it still in trails? has it been used?
 
so why hasn't Pakistan hit the 100,000 testing a day mark yet? whats stopping them.


and whats happening with the vaccination they bought from china- is it still in trails? has it been used?

According to what I have heard from the govt, Pakistan is set to get the vaccine around mid year 2021. there is a trial underway for the Sinovac vaccine at the moment and the govt have also prepared funds to go via COVAX ( i think that's what the consortium is called) and they will get doses of various vaccines very soon. Pakistan is lucky in the sense not many have die from it but asymptomatic infections could be quite high..
 
According to what I have heard from the govt, Pakistan is set to get the vaccine around mid year 2021. there is a trial underway for the Sinovac vaccine at the moment and the govt have also prepared funds to go via COVAX ( i think that's what the consortium is called) and they will get doses of various vaccines very soon. Pakistan is lucky in the sense not many have die from it but asymptomatic infections could be quite high..

but why not just buy the vaccine from the uk?, why wait till mid 2021? israel bought it from the uk instantly
 
so again im really dumb folded why are pakistan still testing between 35k-45k a day - countries like
Columbia are testing 137,486,
Chile 298,455,
Nepal 62,344,
Ecuador 38,735,
Georgia 423,143,
Bolivia 32,119,
Guatemala 32,118,
Libya 69,962
Kyrgyzstan 83,198,
Venezuela 82,662
hondorus 28,472
 
so again im really dumb folded why are pakistan still testing between 35k-45k a day - countries like
Columbia are testing 137,486,
Chile 298,455,
Nepal 62,344,
Ecuador 38,735,
Georgia 423,143,
Bolivia 32,119,
Guatemala 32,118,
Libya 69,962
Kyrgyzstan 83,198,
Venezuela 82,662
hondorus 28,472

Is there something like smart testing similar to smart lockdown LoL. This low testing rates has no basis and many infections could be there in the mainstream population
 
Pakistan
A total of 2,459 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 443,246. With 73 new deaths, the country's coronavirus death toll reached 8,905. So far, a total of 386,333 people have recovered from the virus while the active number of cases stands at 48,008.

With 34,551 tests conducted across Pakistan, the positivity rate has reached 7.12%.
 
Pakistan reports 105 Covid-19 fatalities — highest daily death toll since end-June

Pakistan has reported 105 Covid-19 fatalities in the last 24 hours — the country's highest death toll since June 25 when it recorded 123 fatalities. It also marks the first time more than 100 deaths have been reported since June 30, according to data collected by Dawn.com.

The deaths have taken Pakistan's total number of fatalities to 9,010. The countrywide breakdown of deaths is as follows:

Punjab: 3,452
Sindh: 3,222
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 1,489
Balochistan: 176
Islamabad: 379
Gilgit Baltistan: 99
Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 193
 
It’s getting out of hand again.

One good way to really see how bad it is getting is to know how many people in your network of extended friends and family are getting COVID. In May-June or so I was hearing of people being diagnosed with covid and that had largely died down in the past 3 months or so. But now I’m starting to hear of cases again and a few people being admitted to hospitals. And as per my doctor friends; compared to now, people back in March to June period were several times more cautious and serious. And that in itself I tells you the bad situation because even then in my opinion people weren’t serious.

Allah sab ki khair karay.
 
its going to get worse. I think the combination of the jalsay, people thinking its all theek thaak, and the govts messaging that " we have beaten this" has contributed to the rise.

I wont be surprised if we see major lock-downs again in certain areas. The govt needs to go back to the emergency situation it was in during April to June.
 
Pakistan's deaths from coronavirus has crossed 9,000

70% of the deaths are male patients and 77.5% of those who passed away were over the age of 50
 
A total of 2,545 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 448,522. With 71 new deaths, the country's coronavirus death toll reached 9,080. So far, a total of 396,591 people have recovered from the virus while the active number of cases stands at 42,851.

With 40,090 tests conducted across Pakistan, the positivity rate has reached 6.3%.
 
A total of 2,972 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 451,494. With 83 new deaths, the country's coronavirus death toll reached 9,164. So far, a total of 399,852 people have recovered from the virus while the active number of cases stands at 42,478.

With 39,171 tests conducted across Pakistan, the positivity rate has reached 7.58%
 
Smart lockdowns imposed in various areas of Karachi's district East
The Karachi East deputy commissioner has imposed smart lockdowns in several areas of the district for two weeks until December 31.

In a notification issued on Friday, several virus hotspots have been identified in Gulshan-i-Iqbal and Jamshed Town. Under the new restrictions, anyone entering or exiting the lockdown area shall have to wear a face mask while the movement of people residing in such areas will be restricted.

Only grocery shops, convenience stores, bakeries and pharmacies shall be allowed to remain open during specific timings as per the directives issued by the National Command and Control Centre.

All other business activities shall remain closed without exception and industrial units in such areas shall remain closed. Pillion riding and public transport will also be banned.
 
A total of 2,972 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 451,494. With 83 new deaths, the country's coronavirus death toll reached 9,164. So far, a total of 399,852 people have recovered from the virus while the active number of cases stands at 42,478.

With 39,171 tests conducted across Pakistan, the positivity rate has reached 7.58%

Deaths have been really high for the last 3 weeks, especially when cases ha ent been higher than 3500 a day?
 
Pakistan
A total of 1,792 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the tally to 458,968. With 62 new deaths, the country's coronavirus death toll reached 9,392. So far, a total of 409,085 people have recovered from the virus while the active number of cases stands at 40,491.

With 34,772 tests conducted across Pakistan, the positivity rate has reached 5.15%
 
Sindh reports 918 new cases, 40 deaths from Covid-19

918 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in Sindh, taking the provincial tally to 207,407, according to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Forty more people lost their lives due to the virus, with Sindh's death toll climbing to 3,419.

A total of 11,643 tests were carried out in the province in the last 24 hours, according to Shah.
 
111 more succumb to COVID-19 as death toll nears 10,000 in Pakistan

In the last 24 hours, Pakistan has reported more than 100 deaths from COVID-19, its highest coronavirus related deaths in six months, according to data issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Thursday.

The NCOC data showed that 111 people lost their lives to the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide death toll to 9,668. It also said that 100 patients died in the hospital, out of which 61 were on ventilators.

The country reported 2,256 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours with a positivity ratio of 6.07%.

Amid a second wave of the virus, the country has reported 465,070 COVID-19 cases so far. The number of active cases has dropped to 38,268 with the nationwide recoveries rising to 417,134.

The average number of coronavirus deaths in Pakistan has been increasing since the start of December.

Bids to contain the virus

With the rising spread of the virus, the federal government on December 9 warned it would shut down more sectors if the public continued to violate coronavirus SOPs.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development and NCOC chief Asad Umar said there was a rapid increase in infections during the second wave as the public was less serious than it was during the first wave.

He warned that if the virus is not contained, the government may decide to close down more sectors and impose stricter restrictions in two weeks' time.

Current restrictions

The federal government has already made face masks mandatory in public spaces, limited large public gatherings to 300, banned indoor weddings, closed shrines, cinemas, and theatres, and instructed public and private offices to adopt a work-from-home policy and 50% occupancy.

The federal government has also announced that educational institutes will remain closed from November 26 to January 10. The students will study at home or get weekly homework till December 24 and winter vacations will start December 25. The schools will reopen on January 11 - which is subject to coronavirus situation then. All examinations have been postponed except admission and recruitment tests.

Furthermore, all provinces have banned indoor dining and limited timings for markets, shops, and shopping malls. Many areas in the country have been placed under smart lockdowns.

Public gatherings

With an intensely political environment, the country has been seeing large public gatherings aimed to remove the incumbent government. The Opposition recently held power-shows in Peshawar, Multan, and Lahore with thousands of people attending the jalsa but without face masks and social distancing.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/326237-pakistan-loses-over-100-people-to-coronavirus-in-last-24-hours
 
As Christians across the country celebrate the festive occasion of Christmas on Friday, the president, prime minister and other government officials extended their felicitations and warmest wishes to members of the community.

According to Radio Pakistan, special ceremonies are being held in churches across the country in which prayers will also be held for the solidarity and prosperity of Pakistan.

This time celebrations have been hampered by the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 9,000 lives in the country so far. On Thursday, Pakistan reported the highest number of deaths during the second wave of Covid-19, and the second highest since the beginning of the pandemic, as 111 people died in the country.

In an effort to discourage the spread of the virus, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) earlier this week issued guidelines for Christmas events. Terming events related to Christmas a major challenge, the NCOC announced guidelines to mitigate person-to-person spread of the virus.

It asked people to undertake minimal necessary travel during the holidays.

“Social visits during the holidays and family get-togethers should be avoided. Christmas shopping should only be restricted to minimal essentials and crowding in markets is not advisable. The traditional gift exchange and large-scale home gatherings are likely to increase transmission so they should also be avoided,” it said.

The NCOC also advised to limit the duration of events and regularly disinfect Christmas trees and decorations in public places. Churches were also asked to arrange thermal screening of peo*ple at entry gates while prea*chers were advised to deliver sermons on the virus and preventive measures.

Messages pour in
In his message to the Christian community, Prime Minister Imran Khan extended his "heartiest felicitations" to Christian brethren in Pakistan and all over the world.

"Today, millions of Christians all around the world and in Pakistan celebrate the birth of Prophet Jesus who was sent to this world as a symbol of peace, brotherhood and respect for humanity.

"This day reminds us of the values that Prophet Jesus observed in his own life. He not only healed humanity but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion," he said in a statement shared by the Prime Minister Office.

"Christmas is an occasion to reflect on the message of Prophet Jesus, the eternal message of love, peace, tolerance and compassion for humanity," he said, adding that the government was dedicated to preserving the sanctity of existence and equality of opportunities enjoyed by all Pakistanis.

"I am immensely happy to note that minorities in Pakistan are actively contributing to the development and prosperity of the country without any hindrance including [in] politics, social services, military, education, health and many other spheres.

"This reflects the communal harmony and profound cohesion between all faiths practiced across the length and breadth of the country. This is the spirit that binds us together as one family to celebrate our blessings and the values we hold dear," he said.

"On this happy day, I wish to acknowledge the diverse and productive role being played by all minorities living in Pakistan, particularly the Christian community for the socio-economic development of the country," he said.

President Arif Alvi said the government's policies were aimed at creating harmony and cohesion between people of all faiths. "The government will try its utmost to uphold the principles of equality and justice for all communities residing in Pakistan," he said.

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar urged those celebrating to be "responsible in how you celebrate and take the right precautions for yourself and your loved ones".

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari eulogised the role of Christians and other minority communities in the development of the country and assured them that their rights as equal citizens of Pakistan, as enshrined in the Constitution, will always be protected.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood and SAPM Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari also wished all those celebrating a merry Christmas.

Senator Sherry Rehman said: "May 2021 be a better year for all of us every where."

Former Sindh minister Sharjeel Memon expressed the hope that "this Christmas you have all the blessings which you deserve". "Praying for your happiness , success and safety."

https://www.dawn.com/news/1597753/b...icians-felicitate-those-celebrating-christmas
 
Pakistan

A total of 2,152 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the national tally to 467,222. With 85 new deaths, the country's coronavirus death toll reached 9,753. So far, a total of 418,958 people have recovered from the virus while the active number of cases stands at 38,511.

With 39,435 tests conducted across Pakistan, the positivity rate has reached 5.45%
 
Sindh's registered 22 more coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours, lifting its death toll to 3,462, a statement issued by the province's chief minister Murad Ali Shah stated Friday.

In the statement, CM Shah said that the province had recorded 915 new coronavirus infections, which had increased the province's overall cases to 209,429.

The chief minister highlighted that in the last 24 hours, 11,692 tests were conducted against which 915 cases were registered — taking the positivity rate to 7.8%.

So far, 186,353 patients had recovered from the virus, the statement said.
 
Pakistan reports 2,260 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours

36,909 tests conducted in the last 24 hours

Infection rate: 6.12%
 
ISLAMABAD: As another 1,800 Covid-19 infections surfaced on Sunday, Abbottabad once again reported the highest positivity ratio in the country.

According to data provided by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), 1,853 people contracted the virus while 57 lost their lives. The total number of active cases throughout the country stood at 39,329 with 9,874 deaths having been reported since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Abbottabad had also figured on top on Dec 21 when it recorded 40.32 per cent ratio of coronavirus cases.

According to Sunday’s data, the national positivity ratio was 5.57pc with Abbottabad witnessing the highest rate at 25.53pc, followed by Karachi at 13.56pc and Faisalabad recording 10.14pc.

The ratio is calculated on the basis of positive results in 100 samples.

The data also showed that Azad Kashmir reported 11.54pc positivity rate, Balo*chistan, 7.69pc; Sindh, 7.36pc; Khyber Pakhtun*khwa, 7.15pc; Punjab, 3.98pc; Islamabad, 3.81pc and Gilgit-Baltistan, 0.89pc.

Overall 314 ventilators out of the total allocated for Covid-19 patients were in use across Pakistan, with 54pc occupied in Multan, followed by Islamabad, 42pc; Lahore, 34pc and Peshawar, 31pc.

Around 65pc oxygen beds were in use in Peshawar, 37pc in Multan, 33pc in Islamabad and 32pc in Rawalpindi.

The centre said 2,282 Covid-19 patients were in critical condition and their number was rising.

Compared to 2.09pc fatality rate in Pakistan, the global ratio was 2.19pc.

Besides, 70pc patients in Pakistan were males, 77.5pc were over 50 years, 73pc had chronic comorbidities and 91pc of the deceased had remained hospitalised.

Novel coronavirus was first detected in China in December last year which then spread to other countries. Pakistan closed its borders and took a number of steps to stop the spread. The first case of the virus was reported in Pakistan in the last week of February.

On March 13, the meeting of the National Security Committee, comprising top civil and military leadership, was held to discuss the crisis which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had chaired the meeting, directed the relevant authorities to devise a comprehensive strategy to check the spread of the virus.

Lockdown was announced on March 16 and a number of industries, educational institutions, restaurants and marriage halls were closed.

The National Disaster Management Authority was involved to ensure availability of medical equipment and health-related supplies at the earliest.

After the construction industry was opened on Aug 7, the National Coordination Committee on Covid-19 lifted restrictions on tourism on Aug 8 and on restaurants and transport sector from Aug 10. It also gave a timetable for opening other sectors, including educational institutions and marriage halls.

After easing of restrictions, a large number of people thronged public spots without following the SOPs. As a result, tourist destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan had to be closed.

In October, cases started to rapidly rise, following which the NCOC officially declared it the start of the second wave.

Initially, educational institutions from where cases were being reported were closed for a few days and a lockdown policy was announced for hot spots. However, as the situation worsened, the NCOC on Nov 11 decided to enhance restrictions in different sectors, and finally closed down educational institutions on Nov 26.

Extended winter vacations were announced with the institutions expected to open on Jan 11, 2021.

On the other hand, the virus mutated itself in the UK after which Pakistan joined other countries in restricting flight operations from Britain.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2020
 
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