Pakistan confirmed 46 more deaths from novel coronavirus in one day as the nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 985 and positive cases surged to 45,898, Dunya News reported on Wednesday. The lockdown has caused a heavy surge in the number of COVID-19 cases.
According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 1,932 persons have been tested positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours.
Sindh remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic followed by Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
https://twitter.com/HaalTv/status/1262972212509843456
Till now 16,685 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Punjab, 17,947 in Sindh, 6,554 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2,885 in Balochistan, 1,138 in Islamabad, 556 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 133 in Azad Kashmir.
Patients are under treatment at quarantine centers of 462 hospitals where 7,295 beds are available.
Pakistan has so far conducted 414,254 coronavirus tests and 13,962 in last 24 hours. 13,101 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas many are in critical condition.
Read more: Why are Pakistanis violating SOPs in the time of COVID-19? A social scientist explains
PTI MPA Shaheen Raza succumbs to coronavirus
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member of provincial assembly Shaheen Raza on Wednesday has lost her life to deadly coronavirus.
According to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sohail Ashraf, the PTI MPA was admitted to hospital in Lahore after her health deteriorated. However, she died today while battling the virus, he added.
While expressing condolences on the demise of Shaheen Raza, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Pakistan confirmed 46 more deaths from novel coronavirus in one day as the nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 985 and positive cases surged to 45,898.
Sindh Govt issues notification opening shopping malls across the province
The Sindh government has decided to allow shopping malls in the province to open for business. According to the notification, all shopping malls will remain open under SOPs and their timings will be from 8 am to 5 pm.
Shopping malls will be able to operate even on the weekends, however, food courts, beauty salons and play areas inside them will remain closed. Commissioner Karachi has issued SOPs for shopping malls to operate.
According to the SOPs, each shopper will be scanned with a thermal gun and those who are sick will not be allowed to enter malls or shopping centers. The overall number of shoppers in the malls will be reduced by at least a third according to the SOPs.
Digital solutions will be sought to ensure social distancing and admission of new customers in the mall will depend upon the number of shoppers already inside. Moreover, no buyer will be allowed to enter the mall without a face mask.
Shoppers will have to sanitize their hands and those aged below 12 and over 55 will not be allowed to enter. Deputy Commissioners will monitor the steps taken to ensure the implementation of SOPs.
Ends/Online/TR/FF
Online Int’l News with additional input by GVS News Desk