Karachi reports highest number of weekly Covid-19 cases

CM Shah urges adherence to SOPs, says if cases are not brought down 'drastic measures' will be taken

KARACHI:

Provincial authorities on Friday revealed that Karachi has the highest number of weekly Covid-19 cases in the country and around 19 per cent of the cases reported in Sindh were detected in the metropolis.

During the Covid-19 task force meeting held today, Secretary Health Dr Kazim Hussain Jatoi briefed the attendees on the increasing trend of Covid-19 cases across Pakistan.

Jatoi stated that the country was witnessing an up-tick of cases since June 24, adding that Sindh had reported 248 cases on June 24, 337 on June 26, 431 on June 28, and 465 on June 30.

Currently, there are 4,059 active Covid-19 cases reported within the province of which 63 are hospitalised and four are on ventilators, added the health secretary.

The health secretary added that hospital admission rates appear low for the time being. Data from the health department revealed that Karachi East contributed 29 per cent to the port city’s cases while district West reported 21 per cent, South reported 18 per cent, Korangi 10 per cent, Central 8 per cent and Malir 7 per cent.

Meanwhile, in other cities of Sindh, Jacobabad reported 3 per cent of the cases, Jamshoro 3 per cent, Sukkur 2 per cent and Thatta 2 per cent.

The chief minister urged the people of Sindh to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while advising citizens to receive vaccines and booster shots.

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The chief minister also expressed concern regarding an increase in transmission rates during the upcoming major events of Eidul Azha and Muharram.

“We must bring down the rate of cases before these events,” he said and directed health authorities to increase testing within the province, especially in Karachi.

The provincial chief executive also urged people to take precautionary measures to curb the soaring infection rates, stating that if the number of cases is not brought under control, the provincial government would have to take “drastic measures again”.

He directed citizens to wear masks, maintain social distance, and avoid physical contact.

Earlier, according to the National Institution of Health (NIH), 641 cases were reported, while two people succumbed to the virus and 119 patients were in critical care. More than 18,000 Covid tests were conducted across the country.