Covid-19 deaths in Punjab hit 8-month high

Crucial phase of Omicron driven fifth wave has begun, say health experts

LAHORE:

Punjab on Sunday recorded the highest number of Covid-19 related deaths for the first time in eight months with 12 more people succumbing to the disease in the last 24hours. 

The provincial death ratio has been increasing continuously due to the fifth wave of Covid-19 with 46 people dying in Punjab during the past week.

According to health experts, the crucial phase of the Omicron wave has begun as the variant proved to have a positive correlation with death rates.

“On January 24, four deaths were reported in Punjab, eight on the 25th and then two on the 26th. But since the past few days, deaths have increased further with seven reported on January 27 and six on the 28th. However, Saturday had the highest death toll of 12,” a senior official of the Punjab Health Department stated.

Read: Covid on the rise despite government restrictions

The department's spokesperson Sayed Hamad Raza said that the provincial health department has asked the public to follow the coronavirus-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) as the increase in the death ratio is inevitable and the whole world is facing the issue.

“We have already taken a number of steps to tackle the situation. The infrastructure at our hospitals is exemplary and the Punjab government has taken steps to improve it further,” said Raza, adding that the public's cooperation with following the SOPs was required.

The spokesperson further said restrictions had been increased in various sectors across the province and schools were closed in regions with a high caseload of Covid-19 cases.

“Our smart lockdown will continue,” he informed. 

According to the Secretary of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Imran Sakandar Baloch, special SOPs have been introduced to mitigate the spread of the virus.

"People should follow government guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety," said Baloch.

He further stated that there were 27,571 active cases at public and private hospitals across Punjab and that a total of 13,148 people had succumbed to the disease with Lahore and Rawalpindi having the highest death ratio.

“Lahore remains at a risk as 1,221 Covid-19 cases were reported from the city alone, while 268 were reported from Rawalpindi,” he said.

He highlighted that the provincial Covid-19 positivity ratio was nine per cent, while Lahore’s positivity rate was 19.3 per cent.