Sindh reports 1,127 new coronavirus infections

Records four more deaths; number of active cases over 11,000

As many as 1,127 new coronavirus cases were reported in Sindh on Wednesday and at least four more deaths, taking the provincial death toll to 2,746.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's House, 11,960 tests were conducted in the previous 24 hours and the provincial tally of confirmed infections rose to 158,559. The total number of tests conducted stands at 1,844,817.

As many as 404 coronavirus patients recovered between Tuesday and Wednesday taking the number of recoveries to 144,056.

There are currently 11,739 coronavirus patients under treatment in Sindh - a figure that has doubled in days - of which 11,213 are in home isolation, five at isolation centres and 521 admitted at different hospitals, where the condition of at least 445 patients is stated to be critical. At least 42 patients have been shifted to ventilators.

Of the 1,127 new cases, 799 were detected in Karachi - largely from the South and East districts, while Hyderabad reported 97 cases.

Warning of action

The coronavirus continues to spread as the authorities repeatedly stress the implementation of Covid-19 related-standard operating procedures mandated by the government. After imposing fines, the city administration plans to initiate a crackdown against coronavirus-related SOP violations.

At a meeting on Wednesday to review lack of SOPs implementation in Karachi, city commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani directed all deputy commissioners to task assistant commissioners and mukhtiarkars with ensuring the implementation of SOPs, particularly by shopkeepers and buyers, at restaurants, marriage halls and supermarkets, which may be sealed if violations are found.

Stating that the government's directives regarding coronavirus prevention were not being complied with, the commissioner pointed to violations at supermarkets, restaurants and marriage halls and directed officials to take action against violators.

Separately, Shallwani held a meeting with restaurant owners and asked them to follow the SOPs notified by the government. Association of all Pakistan Restaurants chairperson Shaukat Ali assured the commissioner of cooperation.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2020.