Covid-19 positivity rate soars above 5 per cent

Pakistan’s Covid-19 positivity rate has soared above five per cent, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) on Tuesday.

The NIH revealed that one person succumbed to the virus within the past 24 hours, while the official positivity rate stands at 5.46 per cent.

According to the public health watchdog, 4,674 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours of which 255 positive cases were reported. Meanwhile, 141 patients remained in critical care.

The highest number of cases were reported from Karachi with a staggering 161 people testing positive for the highly contagious virus. In other cities, 39 people tested positive in Lahore, 14 from Islamabad, seven from Peshawar and three from Hyderabad.

Read Covid test made mandatory for returning Hajj pilgrims

SOPs announced

As the country celebrates Eidul Adha amidst rising infections, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) earlier this week.

The Eid guidelines mark a return of facemasks and social distancing protocol on the joyous occasion. The forum encouraged people to opt for collective Qurbani and ensure the implementation of precautionary measures.

“It has been advised to undertake minimal necessary travel during Eid holidays as the risk of a new wave was imminent,” the NCOC said, asking the masses to take every precaution to prevent the pandemic spread.