- Coronavirus death toll in Pakistan has risen to 24
- The country’s virus tally has crossed 1,700
- Punjab has enacted Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Ordinance
- Countries are extending their lockdown periods
- Lockdown lifting in Pakistan remains unclear as well
Warning that the US death rate is likely to peak in two weeks, President Trump has extended social distancing guidelines through April 30. Authorities in the UK have also made it clear that some lockdown measures in Britain could last months and be gradually lifted. Both countries are seeing a swift spike in positive cases with the US overtaking China and Italy in terms of confirmed cases and the UK being the 8th most-affected country.
In Pakistan too, the duration of lockdowns remains uncertain. On Sunday, Balochistan CM Jam Kamal announced that the lockdown in the province would continue for another week or more. The AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider also warned that a curfew could be imposed if people failed to follow the lockdown instructions and take the pandemic seriously. CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah also made similar hints on Sunday. Closure of all educational institutions nationwide has already been extended till May 31.
The Punjab government promulgated the Punjab Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Ordinance, 2020 on Sunday in the wake of the novel coronavirus spread in Pakistan. The ordinance will enable the government to reinforce precautionary measures for the prevention and control of COVID-19 on the public.
The virus has claimed 24 lives so far in Pakistan with the latest three victims including a 55-year-old woman and 77-year-old man in Rawalpindi, and a 42-year-old man in Lahore’s Mayo Hospital. The country’s tally has crossed 1,700, jumping by at least by a hundred every day.
Here are the latest updates:
More than corona tigers, our country needs vents & protective gear: Murtaza Wahab
Commenting on PM Imran Khan’s speech, Sindh govt spokesperson Murtaza Wahab has said that the country needs vents and protective gear for the medical staff more than corona tigers.
“PM should have informed the nation about how he plans to control Covid-19. Unfortunately, there was no mention of any such thing,” he complained.
PM should have informed the nation about how he plans to control #COVIDー19. Unfortunately, there was no mention of any such thing. More than corona tigers, our country needs vents & protective gear for medical staff
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) March 30, 2020
Sindh reports 31 new cases
Sindh’s coronavirus tally has jumped by another 31 to 566.
Sindh reports one more death
Sindh’s coronavirus toll has jumped to 6 with the province registering another virus death.
The latest victim was a 63-year-old woman from Karachi. She was suffering from ARDS and had a fresh travel history of Saudi Arabia.
Many more Tableeghi Jamaat members test positive in Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, several more Tableeghi Jamaat members quarantined at the Noor Mosque have tested positive for Covid-19.
It may be recalled that the said mosque was sealed after a young Chinese member of the Jamaat tested positive for the virus.
PM Imran Khan addresses nation
PM Imran Khan addressed the nation over the coronavirus crisis and lockdowns. Key announcements include:
- Creation of Prime Minister’s Coronavirus Relief Fund to be operational from Wednesday
- Launch of a Corona Tigers Relief Force to help civil admin in distributing rations, spreading awareness to curb the spread
- SBP to offer cheap loans to those businesses who do not terminate employees due to coronavirus lockdowns
- Ehsaas Program Facebook page to identify those in need of rations as well as those who are willing to donate
- Strict action to be taken against hoarders of products ‘who will cause starvation’ in the country
He said that Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus, overcame the pandemic through a complete shutdown which Pakistan can’t bear financially.
Imran Khan added that such social distancing measures do not work for poor households where tight living spaces are shared by many people in a family.
Punjab reports 3 new coronavirus deaths
Punjab’s coronavirus toll has climbed to 9 with the province recording 3 more deaths late Monday.
The latest victims include a 55-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man in Rawalpindi, and a 42-year-old man in Lahore’s Mayo Hospital.
NEW CASES: Sindh 27, Balochistan 11, KP 29
Sindh reports 27 new cases, all being of local transmission. Of these, 21 were reported in Karachi, 5 in Hyderabad, and 1 in Jacobabad.
Balochistan has also reported 11 new cases of coronavirus taking its provincial total to 152.
KP’s tally also jumped by 29 new cases to 221 so far.
https://twitter.com/HealthKPGovt/status/1244642859128586240
Saeed Ghani recovers, tests negative for coronavirus
Education minister Sindh senator Saeed Ghani on Monday took to twitter to announce his recovery from coronavirus.
الحمدللّٰہ آج میرے کورونا وائرس کے ہونے والے ٹیسٹ کی رپورٹ نیگیٹو آئی ہے۔ میں آپ تمام خیر خواہوں کا شکرگذار ہوں جنہوں نے گذشتہ دس روز میں میرے لئے دعائیں کیں اور میری حوصلہ افزائی کی ۔ انشااللہ میری کوشش ہوگی کہ آئندہ بھی اپنی ذمہ داریاں بہتر طور پر انجام دے سکوں۔ pic.twitter.com/kie4nzD7x3
— Senator Saeed Ghani (@SaeedGhani1) March 30, 2020
Karachi’s Imtiaz Super Market Gulshan outlet sealed
Karachi’s city administration has sealed Imtiaz Super Store located in Gulshan-e-Iqbal for ‘non-compliance’ of orders related to social distancing.
‘US could see millions of coronavirus cases and 100,000 or more deaths’
America’s top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci told reporters on Sunday that it’s “entirely conceivable” that more than 1 million people in the US could contract coronavirus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci told reporters on Sunday that it’s "entirely conceivable" that more than 1 million people in the US could contract coronavirus. https://t.co/rqwfRdrqFP
— CNN (@CNN) March 30, 2020
Pakistani strain of coronavirus has less potent chromosomes than the Chinese one: Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman
Former chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Prof Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman said on Monday that new research suggests that the strain of coronavirus spreading in Pakistan is not similar to the one that originated in China’s Wuhan.
The respected Pakistani scientist, who specializes in organic chemistry, said the Chinese strain of the coronavirus has different chromosomes than the Pakistani variant.
The scientist said the revelation came during recent research carried out at the Jamil-ur-Rahman Center for Genome Research at the University of Karachi.
Source: The News
23 Covid-19 positive Zaaireen in Sukkur test negative
23 Zaaireen who had earlier tested positive for coronavirus in Sukkur have recovered have tested negative, confirmed Murtaza Wahab.
23 Zaaireen who had earlier tested positive of Corona Virus in Sukkur have Alhamdolillah recovered & have tested negative. This again shows the importance of self isolation, if we all isolate ourselves, we can actually protect not only ourselves but our loved ones & others
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) March 30, 2020
300-bed hospital set up in train coaches at Rawalpindi Railway Station
On the directions of the minister Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, an emergency hospital has been set up in train coaches that includes an emergency ward, an isolation unit, and a 300-bed patient care facility.
Sheikh Rashid visited the facility on Monday to review the arrangements made to curtail the spread of the pandemic.
Sindh reports recovery of 4 more patients
4 more coronavirus patients have recovered in Sindh, confirmed Murtaza Wahab.
The number of recovered people in Sindh has now reached 18.
4 more patients have recovered from Corona Virus in Sindh and have tested negative. The total number of recovered patients in Sindh now stands at 18. This again emphasises the importance of strictly following the isolation guidelines.
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) March 30, 2020
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu quarantined after close aide tests positive
BREAKING: Netanyahu quarantined after close aide tests positive for coronavirushttps://t.co/V0otCAZmrt
— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) March 30, 2020
Prince Charles out of virus self-isolation
According to BBC, the Prince of Wales is now out of self-isolation, following his diagnosis of coronavirus.
Prince Charles, 71, spent seven days self-isolating in Scotland after testing positive and displaying mild symptoms.
Prince Charles is out of self-isolation, seven days after it was reported he had tested positive for coronavirus https://t.co/xugz5rkXFu
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) March 30, 2020
[GUIDE] How to make a disinfectant at home
Retailers and pharmaceuticals are looting money with both hands due to coronavirus pandemic. The supply chain is seriously disturbed due to the economic lockdown, which is the reason why most people are failing to buy necessary precautionary items like face masks, hand sanitizers, and even disinfectant sprays.
Here’s how you can make a disinfectant at home.
China develops nanomaterial to combat coronavirus?
According to Global Times – China’s national English language newspaper – a team of Chinese scientists has developed a novel way to combat the new coronavirus that causes the Covid-19 disease which has killed over 32,000 people globally.
The new weapon, Global Times says, is not a drug or a compound but some nanomaterial.
Chinese scientists have developed a new weapon to combat the #coronavirus. They say they have found a nanomaterial that can absorb and deactivate the virus with 96.5-99.9% efficiency. pic.twitter.com/ESFUOoTuIX
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) March 29, 2020
Middle East cracks down on Covid-19 rumor mongers
Governments in the Middle East have said they have zero tolerance for rumor mongers amid the coronavirus pandemic, warning people of prosecution and hefty fines if they engage in what they have described as “dangerous” behavior.
Egypt and Oman on Saturday joined countries in the region who have explicitly said they were going to punish those who spread fake news and rumors about coronavirus.
Source: Arab News
Spain also overtakes China in infections and death toll
Days after Italy and US surpassed China – the onetime epicenter of Covid-19 – Spain too has overtaken China in the number of infected cases. In terms of death toll, Spain had already beaten China with over 7,340 deaths vs China’s 3,304 deaths.
In terms of confirmed cases, USA remains at the top with 142,793 cases, followed by Italy at 97,689, Spain at 85,195, and China at 81,470. In death toll, however, Italy remains the worst hit with 10,779 deaths, followed by Spain at 7,340, China at 3,304, and USA at 2,490. (Figures are as of 4:45 pm PKT, March 30, 2020)
3 family members of KP patient also test positive
Three family members of a coronavirus patient in KP have also tested positive for the virus.
The infected include 2 daughters and a son. Some members of the same family, however, tested negative for Covid-19.
Mobile money shops to open for 3 days in Islamabad
A notification – issued by the office of District Magistrate, Islamabad Capital Territory – says that mobile money shops in the city will be allowed to open for three days.
The decision has been made keeping in view the troubles that the general public is facing in money transfers during the lockdown.
New York City Builds Emergency Field Hospital in Central Park
New York City has turned over Central Park in the fight against the coronavirus.
Over the weekend, crews started the construction of long, white medical tents in the park’s East Meadow lawn. On Sunday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said he expected the 68-bed emergency field hospital to open Tuesday.
Source: NBCNY
Intensive care for coronavirus patients now limited to those ‘reasonably certain’ to survive: NHS London Trust
Intensive care for coronavirus patients is now being limited to those “reasonably certain” to survive, a major NHS London trust has conceded.
A department head at Imperial College Healthcare revealed on Sunday that fewer and fewer marginal patients are being selected for ventilator treatment because so many serious cases require a fortnight on the machines.
Source: Telegraph
Release orders of under-trial prisoners suspended by SC
Release orders of under-trial prisoners issued by high courts due to the coronavirus outbreak have been suspended by the apex court.
SC has directed the provincial governments and the high courts to refrain from issuing any further directives.
Islamabad declares 3 buildings as quarantine centers
The Islamabad Capital Territory administration has declared three buildings in the city as quarantine center. These include:
- Pak China Friendship Centre
- Hajj Complex
- OGDCL building (I-9)
Karachi reports 2 more deaths
According to the Sindh health dept., the 66 and 52 years old had underlying renal & respiratory diseases & had acquired coronavirus through contact at the Raiwand Ijtima.
We can confirm 2 more deaths in #Karachi from #COVID19 as of this morning. The 66 and 52 year old had underlying renal & respiratory diseases & had acquired #COVID19 through contact at the Raiwand Ijtima. This brings the total number of deaths in #Sindh to 5. #SindhHealth
— Health, SW, PHE & RD Department, Sindh (@SindhHealthDpt) March 30, 2020
Karachi reports 6 new coronavirus cases
6 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Karachi.
With the new numbers, Sindh’s tally has climbed to 508.
All new cases were of local transmission.
Pakistan has reported 5 new Covid-19 deaths so far today
Pakistan’s Covid-19 fatalities have jumped by 5 to 21 today.
2 deaths were reported in Punjab, 2 in Sindh, and 1 death was recorded in GB.
Another patient dies in Lahore’s Mayo hospital
A 41-year-old coronavirus patient died after testing positive in Lahore. He had underlying conditions when he was isolated in a ward at Mayo hospital.
Punjab reports 45 new cases
45 new Covid-19 cases have been reported in Punjab.
This takes Punjab’s provincial tally to 638.
Another airliner carrying Chinese aid reaches Karachi
Another fresh shipment of Covid-19 related medical supplies has reached Karachi.
This is the 5th plane to bring medical equipment to Pakistan.
Sindh govt to launch Mobile Registration System for cash disbursement to needy
The Sindh Ministry of Interior, in a letter to the Finance Division, has expressed intent to launch a Mobile Registration System for disbursement of cash to the needy people.
“The plan is to register all needy people who intend to avail this facility and then get it verified by Nadra authorities that only one person from a family gets the facility as there is likelihood that whole family may register separately,” the letter read.
The communication requested the finance division to direct the concerned authorities – i.e. Nadra, FIA, FBR, and SBP – to give concurrence so the plan can be initiated at the earliest.
Rawalpindi reports 2 coronavirus deaths
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq has confirmed the death of two more people due to coronavirus.
One of the deceased was a 63-year-old man with a recent travel history to the UK. The other was a 55-year-old woman from Taxila who was also diabetic.
NEW CASES: Islamabad 8, GB 12
Eight new confirmed coronavirus cases have emerged in Islamabad, according to the government’s Covid-19 portal.
Gilgit Baltistan too has recorded another addition of 12 new cases to its tally.
These bring ICT total to 51 and AJK/GB total to 128.
One more death reported in GB
One more coronavirus death has been reported in GB where a medical staffer succumbed to the virus.
This brings the national toll to 18.
PM Imran orders opening of all highways for goods supplies
Imran Khan has ordered all highways to open for smooth and uninterrupted transportation of goods across the country.
The move aims to ensure an adequate supply of food items from farms and factories to markets to put an end to panic buying that’s currently being observed.
4 new cases emerge in AJK
Azad Jammu and Kashmir has reported 4 new coronavirus cases taking the AJK tally to 6 so far.
this brings the national tally to 1,593.
17 patients test negative in Balochistan
17 coronavirus patients in Balochistan, after spending 14 days in isolation, have tested negative for the virus.
Balochistan CM Jam Kamal confirmed the development ion a tweet.
Alhamdulilah 17 people in Sheikh zahid hospital after positive, then spent 14 days in hospital and now after tests again have now shown negative.
Tomorrow inshallah we shall do a test again for further assurance.
— Jam Kamal Khan (@jam_kamal) March 29, 2020
Punjab records another death
Punjab has recorded one more coronavirus death, taking the national toll to 16.
The deceased was a 68-year-old woman having recently returned from Saudi Arabia.
Sadly we have lost another soul to #COVID19 today. A 68 year old lady who came from KSA and was under treatment in RYK. So far we have lost 6 lives while 593 confirmed #COVID19 patients are under treatment.
Our teams are constantly tracking and testing contacts of patients. 1/2
— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) March 29, 2020
UK warns lockdowns could last months
UK authorities have warned that some lockdown measures to combat coronavirus in Britain could last months and only be gradually lifted.
Britain has reported 19,522 confirmed cases of the disease and 1,228 deaths from the deadly virus so far.
Sindh to release 400 convicts over virus fears
CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah has approved the release of as many as 4,000 prisoners in a bod to prevent the spread of the Covis-19 pandemic.
For our coronavirus coverage from March 29, click here.
Admin dont spread panic even superpower USA have more than 1 lac cases and they have already predicted high amount of deaths so what poor country like Pakistan can do about it we cannot afford lockdown it might start civil war when people start to get starved.