LIVE: Pakistan sees another day with over 6,000 cases as Covid-19 tally hits 135,943
Virus has claimed at least 2,597 lives while around 50,056 patients have recovered
The virus has claimed at least 2,597 lives while around 50,056 coronavirus patients have recovered in Pakistan. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI/LAHORE/PESHAWAR/QUETTA/MUZAFFARABAD:
The novel coronavirus emerged in the central China city of Wuhan towards the end of last year and proliferated to almost the whole world within a couple of months. It’s not the virulence or fatality, but the infectivity of the new virus – also known as SARS-CoV-2 – that has set off a global frenzy.
The Covid-19 respiratory illness caused by this mysterious contagion has so far infected more than 7.4 million people in 202 countries and territories of the world – and over 418,000 of them have died and counting.
Pakistan, despite its close proximity with China, remained coronavirus-free until February 26 when a young man from Karachi tested positive after returning from Iran – one of the worst-hit countries. After a brief hiatus following the first case, Covid-19 cases spiked as more pilgrims returning from Iran tested positive for the virus.
Nearly one-and-a-half months after imposing the lockdown across the country, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced to ease the lockdown in phases.
The nationwide tally of Covid-19 patients stands at 135,943 with 50,087 cases in Punjab, 51,518 in Sindh, 17,450 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 8,028 in Balochistan, 1,093 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 7,163 in Islamabad and 604 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The virus has claimed at least 2,597 lives while around 50,056 coronavirus patients have recovered.
The situation remains fluid and we’re updating stats as soon as new figures are officially released.
Follow The Express Tribune’s live coverage of the pandemic here.
1:15am: Virus-stricken Railways minister shifted to CMH Rawalpindi
Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was shifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi on Saturday night, days after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
According to his spokesperson, the step was taken as per the recommendations of the doctors, adding that the minister was in stable condition.
Rashid had gone into self-isolation at his residence after contracting the respiratory disease on Monday.
The federal minister had been occupied with the demands of his office as the Pakistan Railways recently resumed operations after a two-month hiatus due to the coronavirus.
1:00am: Mirza warns against overpricing of Covid-19 drugs
State Minister for Health Dr Zafar Mirza took stern notice of the shortage and hike in the price of injections used by coronavirus patients, directing the authorities concerned to take strict action against the profiteers.
Chairing a meeting on the issue on Saturday, Mirza warned of legal action against those who sold drugs at exorbitant prices, as the “government is making sure that Tocilizumab (Actemra) and Remedesivir injections are available for the management of Covid-19 patients”.
Full story here
12:20am: Collective efforts needed to slow pandemic: CM Murad
As the province’s Covid-19 tally crossed 50,000 cases, with 2,262 new cases emerging in the last 24 hours, Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah insisted on Saturday that collective efforts were needed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Revealing that the new cases emerged after 10,081 tests were conducted, Shah stated that the total number of cases in Sindh had reached 51,518. He added that so far 287,135 tests have been conducted across the province.
The CM further stated that 23 more patients lost their lives to the deadly contagion during this time, pushing the death toll to 816. This now meant the provincial death rate is 1.6 per cent, he added.
Story here
10:30pm: 49 new cases take G-B Covid-19 count to 1,093
Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday reported 49 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 1,093.
According to G-B health authorities, 16 people have succumbed to the deadly virus while 386 have recovered.
No death was reported in the region during the past 24 hours, they added.
9:11pm: Balochistan reports three more deaths, 162 new cases of Covid-19
The Balochistah health department has confirmed another three fatalities due to coronavirus in the past 24 hours to bring the provincial death toll to 83.
It also reported 162 fresh cases of Covid-19 to raise the province’s tally to 8,028.
A total of 2,795 patients have recovered from the respiratory illness in the province so far.
9:00pm: One more die of coronavirus in AJK with 30 new cases
Health officials in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have confirmed another casualty due to Covid-19 to bring the region’s death toll to 12.
They also reported 30 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours to raise the tally to 604.
Meanwhile, eight more patients recovered to bring the total recoveries to 250 in the state. Active cases stand at 342.
8:25pm: Smart lockdown imposed in 1,292 areas across Pakistan, NCOC told
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was told on Saturday that smart lockdown had been enforced in 1,292 localities across the country during last 24 hours to prevent the further spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
The NCOC was also apprised that a total of 308,600 people were affected due to imposition of smart lockdown in different areas.
In the federal capital, the smart lockdown was imposed in sectors G-9/2 and G-9/3 along with Karachi Company (G9 Markaz) in the last 24 hours.
Full story here
7:20pm: Pakistan sees another spike with over 6,000 Covid-19 cases
Amid a record-breaking surge in the coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan on Saturday reported 6,472 new virus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day tally ever, the Health Ministry said.
With another single-day tally of over 6,000 – the second in the last two days – the country’s total coronavirus cases have reached 135,702, of which nearly 50,000 were reported this month alone.
Another 88 patients lost their lives due to Covid-19 across the country, bringing the death toll from the deadly virus to 2,593, while over 50,000 patients have successfully recovered and been discharged from hospitals, according to the Health Ministry.
Read more here
6:35pm: K-P reports highest single-day tally with 1,035 cases as 19 more die of Covid-19
1,035 more people have contracted coronavirus in the past 24 hours, making it the highest single day tally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. With this, the cases tally has risen to 17,450.
Meanwhile, 19 more people succumbed to the deadly disease – five in Peshawar, four in Nowshera, two each in Kohat and Orakzai, and one each in Hangu, Malakand, Dir Lower, Mardan, Mohmand and Battagram – bringing the death toll to 661 in the province.
6:20pm: K-P MPA Ayesha Bano tests positive for Covid-19
Another lawmaker has fallen prey to Covid-19 in Pakistan as Ayesha Bano — a member of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly— tested positive on Saturday.
Bano, a member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said that she got herself tested after getting ill, adding that she has gone into self-quarantine at her residence.
She appealed to the masses to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to stop the spread of the deadly disease.
Nearly 100 MPs have so far tested coronavirus positive across Pakistan.
5:35pm: Govt to impose ‘selective lockdown’ to stem spread of Covid-19, says PM Imran
Prime Minister Imran Khan has opposed the idea of reimposing a strict lockdown amid the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, saying country’s economy cannot afford the consequences of a complete lockdown.
“Now we will impose a selective lockdown and seal off the virus hot-spots,” he said while addressing a news conference in Lahore on Saturday.
PM Imran said volunteers of Corona Relief Tiger Force (CRTF) will monitor the situation and report to the authorities if the people are not complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The premier lamented that the virus was spreading rapidly because people did not follow SOPs and social distancing measures. “From now onwards we will take strict action against violators,” he stressed.
Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid, speaking on the occasion, said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has allowed import of Actemra drug, which has shown positive results on Covid-19 patients.
She said 10,000 beds are available for coronavirus patients across the province.
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Full story here
4:25pm: PPP leader Yousaf Raza Gillani tests positive
Senior PPP leader and former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Read full story here
4:05pm: Smart lockdown imposed in certain areas of Islamabad
Administration in the federal capital has imposed a smart lockdown in several areas after coronavirus cases spiked in the localities.
The sealed localities are G-9/2 and G-9/3 and Markaz Karachi Company areas of Islamabad.
3:35pm: 'Govt cut its own expenditure to help those affected by Covid-19'
Adviser on Finance Hafeez Sheikh said the budget for the next fiscal year is focused to cope with the impact of Covid-19 and provide relief to those affected by the deadly disease.
He said the federal government has cut its own expenditures keeping in view the problems faced by the masses, adding that the Ehsaas Programme has been enhanced to protect the vulnerable segments of society.
3:15pm: Balochistan govt withdraws order allowing restaurants, hotels to reopen
The Balochistan government has decided to withdraw its order allowing restaurants and hotels in the province to reopen.
2:50pm: Shehbaz Sharif touched by China's concern, support
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said he is deeply touched by China's concern for his health after he tested positive for Covid-19.
The leader of the opposition said he is grateful to the Chinese leadership for their offer of medical care, adding that their concern reflects the deep bond between both countries.
The novel coronavirus emerged in the central China city of Wuhan towards the end of last year and proliferated to almost the whole world within a couple of months. It’s not the virulence or fatality, but the infectivity of the new virus – also known as SARS-CoV-2 – that has set off a global frenzy.
The Covid-19 respiratory illness caused by this mysterious contagion has so far infected more than 7.4 million people in 202 countries and territories of the world – and over 418,000 of them have died and counting.
Pakistan, despite its close proximity with China, remained coronavirus-free until February 26 when a young man from Karachi tested positive after returning from Iran – one of the worst-hit countries. After a brief hiatus following the first case, Covid-19 cases spiked as more pilgrims returning from Iran tested positive for the virus.
Nearly one-and-a-half months after imposing the lockdown across the country, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced to ease the lockdown in phases.
The nationwide tally of Covid-19 patients stands at 135,943 with 50,087 cases in Punjab, 51,518 in Sindh, 17,450 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 8,028 in Balochistan, 1,093 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 7,163 in Islamabad and 604 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The virus has claimed at least 2,597 lives while around 50,056 coronavirus patients have recovered.
The situation remains fluid and we’re updating stats as soon as new figures are officially released.
Follow The Express Tribune’s live coverage of the pandemic here.
1:15am: Virus-stricken Railways minister shifted to CMH Rawalpindi
Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was shifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi on Saturday night, days after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
According to his spokesperson, the step was taken as per the recommendations of the doctors, adding that the minister was in stable condition.
Rashid had gone into self-isolation at his residence after contracting the respiratory disease on Monday.
The federal minister had been occupied with the demands of his office as the Pakistan Railways recently resumed operations after a two-month hiatus due to the coronavirus.
1:00am: Mirza warns against overpricing of Covid-19 drugs
State Minister for Health Dr Zafar Mirza took stern notice of the shortage and hike in the price of injections used by coronavirus patients, directing the authorities concerned to take strict action against the profiteers.
Chairing a meeting on the issue on Saturday, Mirza warned of legal action against those who sold drugs at exorbitant prices, as the “government is making sure that Tocilizumab (Actemra) and Remedesivir injections are available for the management of Covid-19 patients”.
Full story here
12:20am: Collective efforts needed to slow pandemic: CM Murad
As the province’s Covid-19 tally crossed 50,000 cases, with 2,262 new cases emerging in the last 24 hours, Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah insisted on Saturday that collective efforts were needed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Revealing that the new cases emerged after 10,081 tests were conducted, Shah stated that the total number of cases in Sindh had reached 51,518. He added that so far 287,135 tests have been conducted across the province.
The CM further stated that 23 more patients lost their lives to the deadly contagion during this time, pushing the death toll to 816. This now meant the provincial death rate is 1.6 per cent, he added.
Story here
10:30pm: 49 new cases take G-B Covid-19 count to 1,093
Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday reported 49 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 1,093.
According to G-B health authorities, 16 people have succumbed to the deadly virus while 386 have recovered.
No death was reported in the region during the past 24 hours, they added.
9:11pm: Balochistan reports three more deaths, 162 new cases of Covid-19
The Balochistah health department has confirmed another three fatalities due to coronavirus in the past 24 hours to bring the provincial death toll to 83.
It also reported 162 fresh cases of Covid-19 to raise the province’s tally to 8,028.
A total of 2,795 patients have recovered from the respiratory illness in the province so far.
9:00pm: One more die of coronavirus in AJK with 30 new cases
Health officials in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have confirmed another casualty due to Covid-19 to bring the region’s death toll to 12.
They also reported 30 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours to raise the tally to 604.
Meanwhile, eight more patients recovered to bring the total recoveries to 250 in the state. Active cases stand at 342.
8:25pm: Smart lockdown imposed in 1,292 areas across Pakistan, NCOC told
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was told on Saturday that smart lockdown had been enforced in 1,292 localities across the country during last 24 hours to prevent the further spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
The NCOC was also apprised that a total of 308,600 people were affected due to imposition of smart lockdown in different areas.
In the federal capital, the smart lockdown was imposed in sectors G-9/2 and G-9/3 along with Karachi Company (G9 Markaz) in the last 24 hours.
Full story here
7:20pm: Pakistan sees another spike with over 6,000 Covid-19 cases
Amid a record-breaking surge in the coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan on Saturday reported 6,472 new virus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day tally ever, the Health Ministry said.
With another single-day tally of over 6,000 – the second in the last two days – the country’s total coronavirus cases have reached 135,702, of which nearly 50,000 were reported this month alone.
Another 88 patients lost their lives due to Covid-19 across the country, bringing the death toll from the deadly virus to 2,593, while over 50,000 patients have successfully recovered and been discharged from hospitals, according to the Health Ministry.
Read more here
6:35pm: K-P reports highest single-day tally with 1,035 cases as 19 more die of Covid-19
1,035 more people have contracted coronavirus in the past 24 hours, making it the highest single day tally in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. With this, the cases tally has risen to 17,450.
Meanwhile, 19 more people succumbed to the deadly disease – five in Peshawar, four in Nowshera, two each in Kohat and Orakzai, and one each in Hangu, Malakand, Dir Lower, Mardan, Mohmand and Battagram – bringing the death toll to 661 in the province.
6:20pm: K-P MPA Ayesha Bano tests positive for Covid-19
Another lawmaker has fallen prey to Covid-19 in Pakistan as Ayesha Bano — a member of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly— tested positive on Saturday.
Bano, a member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said that she got herself tested after getting ill, adding that she has gone into self-quarantine at her residence.
She appealed to the masses to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) to stop the spread of the deadly disease.
Nearly 100 MPs have so far tested coronavirus positive across Pakistan.
5:35pm: Govt to impose ‘selective lockdown’ to stem spread of Covid-19, says PM Imran
Prime Minister Imran Khan has opposed the idea of reimposing a strict lockdown amid the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, saying country’s economy cannot afford the consequences of a complete lockdown.
“Now we will impose a selective lockdown and seal off the virus hot-spots,” he said while addressing a news conference in Lahore on Saturday.
PM Imran said volunteers of Corona Relief Tiger Force (CRTF) will monitor the situation and report to the authorities if the people are not complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The premier lamented that the virus was spreading rapidly because people did not follow SOPs and social distancing measures. “From now onwards we will take strict action against violators,” he stressed.
Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid, speaking on the occasion, said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has allowed import of Actemra drug, which has shown positive results on Covid-19 patients.
She said 10,000 beds are available for coronavirus patients across the province.
[/fbvideo]
Full story here
4:25pm: PPP leader Yousaf Raza Gillani tests positive
Senior PPP leader and former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Read full story here
4:05pm: Smart lockdown imposed in certain areas of Islamabad
Administration in the federal capital has imposed a smart lockdown in several areas after coronavirus cases spiked in the localities.
The sealed localities are G-9/2 and G-9/3 and Markaz Karachi Company areas of Islamabad.
3:35pm: 'Govt cut its own expenditure to help those affected by Covid-19'
Adviser on Finance Hafeez Sheikh said the budget for the next fiscal year is focused to cope with the impact of Covid-19 and provide relief to those affected by the deadly disease.
He said the federal government has cut its own expenditures keeping in view the problems faced by the masses, adding that the Ehsaas Programme has been enhanced to protect the vulnerable segments of society.
3:15pm: Balochistan govt withdraws order allowing restaurants, hotels to reopen
The Balochistan government has decided to withdraw its order allowing restaurants and hotels in the province to reopen.
2:50pm: Shehbaz Sharif touched by China's concern, support
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said he is deeply touched by China's concern for his health after he tested positive for Covid-19.
The leader of the opposition said he is grateful to the Chinese leadership for their offer of medical care, adding that their concern reflects the deep bond between both countries.
Deeply touched by the concern shown by Chinese government on my health & I am grateful to the Chinese leadership for the offer of medical care. It is very thoughtful of our great friends. This concern also reflects deep bond between peoples of our two countries. 🇵🇰 🇨🇳
2:45pm: Sindh reports 2,262 new cases
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reported 2,262 cases, taking the provincial tally to 51,518.
In the past 24 hours, 24 patients succumbed to the virus and the province's death toll stands at 816, while at least 1,274 patients have recovered.
Out of the 2,262 new cases, 1,517 cases emerged from Karachi.
2:20pm: Smart lockdown imposed in several areas of Islamabad
A smart lockdown has been imposed in G-9/2, G-9/3 and Markaz Karachi Company areas of the federal capital.
During the last 24 hours, more than 13,115 violations of health guidelines were observed across Pakistan. More than 1,541 markets, 33 industries and 1,429 vehicles were cautioned, fined or sealed.
In Islamabad, 44 hotels, 120 shops and seven industrial units were closed over 255 SOP violations.
2:00pm: Shahid Afridi tests positive for Covid-19
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has tested positive for the virus.
He took to microblogging website Twitter and said he was feeling unwell since Thursday.
Read full story here
1:50pm: Sajeela Laghari tests positive for Covid-19
Sindh Assembly member Sajeela Laghari has tested positive for Covid-19.
The total number of affected members of the Sindh Assembly has jumped to 22.
1:40pm: PM Imran, Punjab CM meet to discuss Covid-19 developments
Prime Minister Imran Khan met with Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to discuss Covid-19 developments in the province and steps taken to contain the spread of the disease.
1:40pm: 18,741 vehicles issued challan tickets for violating SOPs
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Syed Hammad ordered citizens to wear face masks to avoid the spread of the virus.
He said 18,741 vehicles were issued challan tickets for violating government orders, including 14,000 motorcycles, 1,710 cars and 1,807 public transport.
25,859 motorcycles and 6,331 cars were given warnings.
1:30pm: Punjab reports 2,705 new cases
Punjab health authorities reported 2,705 new cases, raising the provincial tally to 50,087.
48 new deaths were reported in Punjab and the province's death toll has reached 938.
1:10pm: Pakistan reports 36 deaths due to Covid-19 among healthcare workers
At least 3,858 healthcare workers across Pakistan have been affected by Covid-19, while at least 36 have succumbed to the virus.
Out of the 36 who lost their lives, 14 were from Sindh, seven from Khyber-Pakthunkhwa, five from Balochistan, six from Punjab, two from Gilgit-Baltistan and two from the federal capital.
12:35pm: PHC to remain functional during summer break
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued a notification that stated that the PHC and its benches will remain functional during summer vacation this year.
The statement said each judge is allowed 10 days off in the month of July, 2020 in three batches.
12:10pm: Jiang Yu telephones Shehbaz Sharif, offers China's support for Covid-19 treatment
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu telephoned Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and offered China's support for his treatment after he tested positive for Covid-19.
The PML-N president thanked the spokesperson for her support and well wishes.
"Your concern is an expression of China's love, commitment and sympathy for the people of Pakistan," Shehbaz said.
11:30am: 10 shops sealed, Rs20,000 fine imposed for violation of SOPs in Lahore
Deputy Commissioner Lahore Danish Afzal said officers must ensure implementation of SOPs issued by the government to mitigate the spread of the virus.
10 shops across the city have been sealed and Rs20,000 fine imposed on shopkeepers for violating government orders.
10:10am: Telecom companies facilitate consumers to donate to PM's Corona Relief Fund
Easy ways to donate for PM Corona Relief Fund
🔷 Telecom companies facilitating consumers to send SMS 📱📩on 6677 to contribute their share
🔷 National Bank of Pakistan:
🔹Account No. 4162786786
🔹Swift code : NBPAPKKAMBR
9:20am: Interior ministry issues instructions for public sector employees
The interior ministry has issued issued instructions to maintain social distance in offices of public sector employees for a period of 15 days, effective from Monday.
The notification ordered secretary and additional secretary of all ministries to prepare a strategy and preventative measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
The notification listed several measures, including: identification of 50 per cent of staff on rotation basis for important tasks, employees with chronic ailments to work from home, employees with any illness (flu, fever) to also work from home, employees to adhere to various standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government, officers to provide medical report if leave is required for violation, entry of visitors from the main gate to be stopped and visitors to be dealt with at the reception.
8:30am: 'No masks, no service' implemented at grocery stores in Lahore
Markets in Lahore remain closed on the first-day of the two-day lockdown.
The provincial government has allowed milk shops and grocery stores to remain open from 9am to 7pm. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government will be followed.
"No mask, no service" is being implemented at grocery stores and pharmacies across the city.
Petrol pumps and pharmacies will remain open round-the-clock.
Public transport services will be available but passengers must wear face masks to contain the spread of the virus.
8:10am: Mahmood Khan prays for K-P assembly speaker's speedy recovery
Khyber-Pakthunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan prayed for K-P Assembly Speaker Mushtaq Ghani's speedy recovery after he tested positive for Covid-19.
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) reported 3,169 new cases, taking the nationwide tally to 132,405.
29,850 tests were carried out in the last 24 hours, the highest number according to NCOC.
Pakistan reported 88 new deaths, raising the country's death toll to 2,551, while at least 50,056 patients have recovered.