Over 730 fresh coronavirus cases surface in Sindh amid lockdown relaxation

Citing experts, CM Shah says pandemic will escalate in May

KARACHI: The emergence of 731 more coronavirus cases and 16 infection-related deaths in Sindh on Wednesday coincided with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah's statement about an "upsurge in coronavirus cases in May, as projected by health experts."

Keeping in view the numbers of cases and deaths reported as of Wednesday morning, the CM observed that the province's virus tally had climbed to 13,341 and its death toll had reached 234.

"This shows that the cases and deaths are still rising steeply, which calls for observing the pandemic standard operating procedures (SOPs) in their true letter and spirit," he stressed, noting that more cases would be detected if the ambit of screening was expanded.

"As we are increase the number of tests [conducted daily], more cases will surface," he pointed out, emphasising the need for "collective efforts" to contain the spread of the virus.

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He regretted that while the government had eased the lockdown after receiving assurances from traders that all SOPs would be duly observed, the present scenario was contrary to the commitments.

"If people continue to respond to the pandemic with similar disregard, we will not be able to get rid of it," the CM warned.

However, he expressed optimism at the relatively low coronavirus death ratio of the province. Elaborating further on the death toll, he said that 4.6 per cent of the victims were between 51 and 60 years of age, 8.5 per cent between 61 and 70 years. 11.5 per cent between 71 and 80 years and 22.5 per cent were 81 years of age or older.

The CM further stated that of the 731 new cases, 585 were reported from Karachi. And among these, 140 belonged to East district, 127 to South district, 116 to Malir, 85 to Central district, 60 to West district and 57 to Korangi, he said.

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Besides, he said, 24 cases had surfaced in Larkana, 22 in Hyderabad, 14 in Ghotki, 10 in Sukkur, eight in Kandhkot-Kashmore, seven in Shikarpur, five in Shaheed Benazirabad, four each in Sujawal and Tando Muhammad Khan, two each in Jacobabad and Naushero Feroze and one each in Umerkot, Khairpur, Qambar-Shahdadkot and Jamshoro.

The CM said that among the total infected persons, 76 per cent were males and 24 per cent females.

Speaking of the recovery ratio, he said, so far, 2,835 (21.3 per cent) patients had recovery, with 606 being sent home on Wednesday, adding that though these numbers were encouraging, more efforts were needed to contain the virus, the foremost of which pertained to people getting themselves tested voluntarily.

According to the data shared by the CM, 10,272 patients are under treatment in the province at present, among whom 8,840 are isolated at homes, 919 at isolation centres and 513 at hospitals.