Number of critical Covid patients increasing at 'alarming rate' in Karachi

NCOC endorses steps taken by the Sindh government to contain a rapid surge in coronavirus cases

The number of critical Covid-19 patients in Karachi has reached an alarming level, it was revealed in a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) held in Islamabad.

The NCOC – the nerve centre of the government’s synchronised strategy to contain the global pandemic – in a meeting chaired by Planning Minister Asad Umar on Tuesday reviewed the overall coronavirus situation in Sindh.

The forum was apprised of the deteriorating Covid-19 situation in the port city which is straining the health care system.

The NCOC stressed the need for implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and stepping up anti-coronavirus drive across the province.

The NCOC and the Sindh government are keeping a close eye on the pandemic situation, which is at an all-time high, the official statement said.

Also read: Sindh tightens Covid curbs again

The coronavirus positivity rate in Karachi has reached 26.32% and the number of patients in intensive care has climbed to 980.

The NCOC endorsed the steps taken by the Sindh government to contain the spread of the virus and assured full cooperation from the Centre in this regard.

The NCOC is taking various measures to deal with the Covid pandemic which include the assistance of law enforcement agencies in ensuring implementation of coronavirus SOPs, timely supply of medical oxygen, smooth distribution of Covid-19 vaccines across the country among others.

The Sindh government last week imposed restrictions to contain the surge in coronavirus infections.

The measures include the closure of indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and restricted market timings.

Moreover, the provincial authorities plan to ask the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block the mobile phone SIMs of all unvaccinated individuals after a week's notice.