Pandemic: 25 die of coronavirus in Punjab

At least 25 deaths were recorded across the province during the last 24 hours, Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD) confirms.

The second wave of the incurable virus has hit hard as 154 lives were lost in just a week, official data available on the government owned covid-19 website states.

Statistics reveal that at an average 11 lives were lost to coronavirus per day since March 24, however, the recent hype in the number of deaths took this week’s average to 22 deaths per day.

Health practitioners have expressed concern over the burgeoning death rate in Punjab and termed the situation ‘alarming’.

A report presented in a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Monday had pointed out that the country’s coronavirus positivity ratio has jumped to 7.46%, the highest-ever level since the pandemic emerged in the country.

The number of hospitalisations have also doubled across the country, the presented report had detailed.

P&SHD spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed that a total of 648 new coronavirus patients were brought for treatment to the different hospitals of the province in a day.

He also asserted that as many 2,904 lives were claimed by the virus since its outbreak.

On question regarding preventive measures, he said, “Following government outlined standard operating procedures (SOPs) could help protect the public from this infectious disease.”

“People must wear masks, gloves and undertake precautionary measures such as frequent hand washing - the situation is serious now,” he warned.

He asked the citizens to not touch their mouth, nose and eyes with unwashed hands.

As per the latest data, 312 coronavirus patients were admitted in the public and private hospitals of Lahore in the last 24 hours.

Moreover, 93 covid-19 patients were brought to Rawalpindi hospitals, 43 patients in Multan, 28 in Faisalabad, 22 in Sargodha, 19 in Bahawalpur and 10 in Sahiwal.

Other cities that reported infections in the province were: Toba Tek Singh 9, Nankana Sahib 9,Layyah 8, Bhakkar 8, Mianwali 7, Khanewal 7, Khushab 7, Attock 6, Bahawalnagar 6, DG Khan 6, Okara 6, Rahim Yar khan 5, Gujranwala 4, Vehari 4, Chakwal 3, Chiniot 2, Sialkot 2, Kasur 2, Jehlum 1, Muzaffargarh 1, and Hafizabad 1.

“1,893,236 patients have been tested for Covid-19 up to the present out of which 115,786 patients were confirmed positive for the virus in Punjab,” the spokesman added.

“98,081 suspected patients of corona were confirmed negative after identifying positive in Punjab,” he highlighted.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2020.