Nearly 600 died of coronavirus last month in Punjab

Infection rate declined by 30% in comparison to January

LAHORE:

The second Covid-19 wave is hardly over. The month of February witnessed deaths of 592 individuals who had tested coronavirus positive across the province, as per the data available with the Punjab Health Department.

Within the 28 days of the month, at least 13,516 people were confirmed Covid infected in Punjab with most coronavirus positive cases reported in Lahore.

Experts have warned that the spread of the virus has barely slowed, therefore citizens should not undermine the importance of SOPs’ implementation.

Compared to the previous month when the death toll was reported at 723, the situation improved slightly in February with 131 less deaths demonstrating a decrease of 18.12%.

Sources in the health department also confirmed that the number of new infections also declined by 30% in comparison to January.

The health professionals are ringing alarm that the number of deaths hovering near 600 in just one month is not a positive indicator at all.

During the last 24 hours, as many as 705 new coronavirus cases were registered in Punjab whereas 13 more deaths were recorded.

The figures many not be as shocking compared to 46 deaths reported in a day on February 2 but is still quite threatening.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a senior official of the Punjab Health Department said, “At the end of this month we saw a decline in the number of deaths and overall virus test positivity ratio but it does not mean that the danger has passed.”

“Take all the precautions possible as we continue to confront the pandemic. I urge all people to stay informed, stay safe, and protect others,” he added.

Over the past few days, the provincial government announced measures to restore life to normalcy in the province by opening schools in full capacity in 29 Punjab districts displaying low infection rates.

Similarly, time restrictions on businesses were lifted from March 1 onwards throughout Punjab to reduce the negative economic impact of the pandemic.

From March 15, ban on indoor gatherings and dining will also be removed according to an order issued by Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD) on Saturday.

“We are still advising the public to follow SOPs for their safety,” said the P&SHD spokesman on Monday.

Dr Asad Aslam, the Chief Executive of Mayo Hospital and Member Corona Advisory Committee, told The Express Tribune that the increase in temperature is expected to supplement the reduction in coronavirus infection rate.

“Nevertheless, people must follow safety guidelines outlined by the government to stay protected.”

Institute of Public Health Dean Dr Zarafshan sent forward good vibes, stating that the vaccination programme would definitely lessen Covid infection rate further over the next few weeks.

“There is a need to encourage citizens and health professionals to get vaccinated to accelerate the herd immunity process,” she explained.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2021.