Coronavirus cases in Pakistan have crossed 3,500 with at least 52 deaths recorded so far. The trajectory of the outbreak in the country continues to see an inevitable spike with the peak yet to arrive in weeks to come.
More cases were reported from all parts of the country with Punjab recording its highest single-day jump on Sunday. The province stands at about 1,700 confirmed coronavirus cases followed by Sindh, KP, GB, Balochistan, Islamabad, and AJK.
According to the government’s projection, the national tally could rise to 50,000 with fatalities climbing to 5,000 in the next 20 days. Made on the basis of different trends and statistics, the projection does not signify the outbreak’s peak in Pakistan which may still be weeks or months away.
The outbreak shows little fizzling in other parts of the world too. The US is bracing for ‘hardest week’ in coronavirus fight with Surgeon General Jerome Adams likening the situation to the Pearl Harbor and 9/11. Italy and France, however, recorded lower coronavirus deaths on Sunday at 527 and 357 fatalities respectively.
Spain also saw its third consecutive daily decline in the number of people dying from Covid-19 with 674 new deaths.
Here are the latest updates:
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson moved to ICU: BBC
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved to intensive care in hospital after his coronavirus symptoms “worsened”, Downing Street has said.
Mr Johnson has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to deputise “where necessary”, a spokesman added.
The prime minister, 55, was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in London with “persistent symptoms” on Sunday.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has coronavirus, has been taken to intensive care https://t.co/hQClxR7lRt
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) April 6, 2020
First coronavirus death reported in Islamabad
Islamabad has reported its first coronavirus death. The deceased was a 39-year-old woman who was on ventilator for several days.
The National Command and Operation Centre confirmed the death which takes the national toll to 53.
Saudi Arabia imposes 24-hour curfew in Riyadh and other cities
Saudi Arabia imposed on Monday a 24-hour curfew in the capital Riyadh and a number of cities effective immediately and until further notice, as a precautionary measure against coronavirus spread, state news agency (SPA) reported.
The cities are Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran, Al-Hofuf, Jeddah, Taif, Al-Qatif, Al-Khobar. Entry and exit between cities is still under ban. Residents are allowed to leave their houses only for essential needs inside their residential area, and between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. only, SPA added.
Source: Reuters
NEW CASES: Balochistan 10 (202), Punjab 102 (1,918), AJK 1, GB 1
Balochistan reported 10 new cases that take its tally to 202.
With another 102 cases, Punjab sees another major spike with its total reaching 1,918.
AJK and GB have reported one new case each.
Meanwhile, CM Punjab Usman Buzdar has said that 8 patients are in critical condition in the province.
Out of 1929 tests conducted today, 425 new positive cases were confirmed.
666 patients are in different districts, 536 are in Tableeghi Jama'ats' quarantines, 49 in Camp Jail quarantine, 213 in DGK, 449 in Multan & 5 in Faisalabad quarantine. 8 patients are in critical condition
— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) April 6, 2020
France reports record toll of 833 new coronavirus deaths
France has reported that 833 more people have died of Covid-19 in hospitals and nursing homes over the past 24 hours, its highest daily toll since the epidemic began.
“We have not reached the end of the ascent of this epidemic,” Health Minister Olivier Veran told reporters, as he announced the new toll which brought the total number killed in the coronavirus epidemic in France to 8,911.
The figures were a reminder to France – which has been in lockdown since 17 March in a bid to slow the spread of the virus – of the long road ahead after several days where key data had improved somewhat.
Source: RTE
Modi wishes British counterpart perfect health
Hang in there, Prime Minister @BorisJohnson! Hope to see you out of hospital and in perfect health very soon.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2020
Coronavirus death toll surpasses 10,000 in US
The COVID-19 death toll in the US has surpassed 10,000 from almost 350,000 coronavirus cases, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
Man shot dead for flouting coronavirus rules in Philippines
Man shot dead for flouting coronavirus rules in Philippines https://t.co/AAi3JNk75i
— Indy World (@IndyWorld) April 6, 2020
Punjab tally up by 132 new cases to 1,816
Punjab has reported 132 new cases, confirms its health department. With the new numbers, the tally has climbed to 1,836.
Here’s a breakdown of the cases reported in the province:
- Quarantine centers housing pilgrims: 577
- People associated with Raiwind: 527
- Inmates: 49
- Other citizens: 663
Daily coronavirus cases, deaths in Spain drop again
Spain has reported 4,273 new cases of the coronavirus with 637 new deaths, the fourth day the daily totals have declined from the previous day.
The total deaths in the country from COVID-19 as of Monday stands at 13,055 among 135,032 cases. The new numbers offer another glimmer of hope in Europe, after Italy on Sunday saw its death toll at its lowest in more than two weeks and its infection curve finally on a downward slope.
FIFA, United Nations, and WHO join forces to fight Covid-19
On the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (which is today), FIFA, United Nations, and WHO have joined forces to fight coronavirus by supporting the #BeActive campaign.
.@FIFAcom, @UN & WHO join forces 💪 to fight #COVID19 and support the #BeActive campaign launched on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to encourage people to be #HealthyAtHome
👉 https://t.co/iibpkdn3CH pic.twitter.com/2AYSKgGYGA
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 6, 2020
Here’s how you can make your own face mask
Punjab govt allows a limited number of businesses to resume operations
According to a notification by the home department’s internal security, the government has allowed the opening of:
- 36 businesses related to the textile industry
- 10 of sports goods
- 07 of surgical goods
- 03 of auto parts
- 25 of pharmaceutical
- 22 of leather and leather garments
- 07 of fruits and vegetables
- 08 of meat and meat products/industry
Read the full story here.
Pakistan’s fight against coronavirus explained in graphs
Pakistan’s numbers are far better than what we saw in developed countries like Italy, the US, Spain, France, and others at this stage of the crisis. Part of the reason is the government’s decision to lockdown before the numbers had begun to snowball.
However, the number of new cases will rise as Pakistan’s testing capacity ramps up. While we’ve done well so far, we must not be complacent as Pakistan’s margin for error is very low because of limited healthcare facilities. If we see the same situation as in Italy, for instance, the potential for disaster is magnitudes worse.
See more trends and graphs here.
Sindh reports 2 more coronavirus deaths
Sindh govt spokesperson Murtaza Wahab has confirmed two more coronavirus deaths in the province.
The new numbers bring Sindh’s toll to 17 so far.
The following information is relevant to assess the situation of #COVIDー19 in Sindh as of 6th April at 8 AM:
Total Tests 9589
Positive Cases 932
Recovered Cases 253
Deaths 17In the last 24 hours, 130 people have recovered from corona in Sindh.
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) April 6, 2020
Special PIA flight brings back 128 stranded Pakistanis from Uzbekistan
128 stranded Pakistanis in Uzbekistan were brought back to the country through a special flight of Pakistan International Airlines today @Official_PIA @MoIB_Official @PTIofficial #coronavirusinpakistan #CoronaStopKaroNa https://t.co/MzgxEu1mZ5 pic.twitter.com/yjviXoKm01
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 6, 2020
Over 3,800 ventilators available in country: Chairman NDMA
Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal has said over 3800 ventilators are available in the country, while two thousand more will be imported from China.
Briefing Parliamentary Committee in Islamabad on Monday, he said five hundred ventilators will reach Pakistan on Thursday, while 29,000 protective kits for doctors and paramedics have been provided to provinces. He said 137 hospitals, have exclusively been dedicated for the patients of Coronavirus. He said 22 laboratories are working across the country.
Source: Radio Pakistan
With 52 new cases, Sindh tally at 932
The following information is relevant to assess the situation of #COVIDー19 in Sindh as of 6th April at 8 AM:
Total Tests 9589
Positive Cases 932
Recovered Cases 253
Deaths 17In the last 24 hours, 130 people have recovered from corona in Sindh.
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) April 6, 2020
Punjab govt extends partial lockdown till April 14
Punjab Govt extends partial #CoronaLockdown till April 14 :@ddpichome @PTIPunjabPK #coronavirusinpakistan #CoronavirusPandemic #CoronaStopKaroNahttps://t.co/cPNdjmueN9 pic.twitter.com/h26b4tzd13
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 6, 2020
2 new deaths, 191 new cases reported in Punjab
Punjab has reported 2 new deaths, provincial primary and secondary health department spokesperson Qaiser Asif has confirmed. The province’s death toll has now reached 15.
The province also reported 191 new cases with its total nearing 1,700.
Pakistan opens Chaman, Torkham borders to facilitate return of Afghan nationals
Starting today, the government of Pakistan has opened Chaman and Torkham borders for 4 days to help Afghan nationals return to their home country.
According to the Foreign Office, the borders have been temporarily de-sealed upon the request of Afghan govt.
Sindh issues guidelines for burial of Covid-19 victims
WATCH: Dr Sania Nishtar explains how Ehasaas Emergency Cash Program works
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CM Punjab inaugurates BSL-3 lab in Lahore with daily Covid-19 testing capacity of 2,000 tests
CM Usman Buzdar also visited the lab in protective suit to appreciate the frontline workers of the testing lab.
Apple sourcing over 20 million masks, producing and shipping face shields for medical workers
Apple is dedicated to supporting the worldwide response to COVID-19. We’ve now sourced over 20M masks through our supply chain. Our design, engineering, operations and packaging teams are also working with suppliers to design, produce and ship face shields for medical workers. pic.twitter.com/3xRqNgMThX
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 5, 2020
Here’s how you can protect babies from coronavirus
👶Answer Bank: How to protect #babies from #COVID19? pic.twitter.com/RBgGL7Ohe2
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) April 6, 2020
READ: How to get loan relief on credit cards, housing & auto finance, personal loan
In the ongoing coronavirus crisis, many are likely to be financially vulnerable to default the loans availed from banks under different heads of consumer financing— housing and auto finance, personal loans and credit cards.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has come up with a relief payment scheme for them to make things easier.
There are two types of schemes for customers under this relief.
- A customer can get a year’s relief for the payment of loans. They will be given relief on the principal amount of loan whereas they will continue to pay its interest payment without any additional charges.
- If a customer is running into a deep financial crisis, and can’t even pay his/her loans even after a year, they can request rescheduling and restricting loans.
For details on eligibility, requirements, deadlines, and more, click here.
Two PIA Pilots Test Positive for COVID-19
Two Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) pilots returning from a flight to Toronto have tested positive for Coronavirus. As per the details, routine tests of the crew members were conducted when the flight landed back at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International airport.
The two pilots showed symptoms and were sent for further testing. The results came positive and they were shifted to isolation wards of a nearby private hospital where they are getting necessary treatment.
Read the full story here.
KP MPA Abdul Salam Afridi recovers from coronavirus
Lawmaker from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly Abdul Salam Afridi has recovered from the novel coronavirus 10 days after he contracted the virus.
مردان :رکن صوبائی اسمبلی عبدالسلام آفریدی کورونا وائرس سے صحتیاب
عبدالسلام آفریدی کا ٹسٹ نیگٹیو اگیا۔
صحتیابی پر اللہ کا شکر ادا کر تا ہوں
بہت جلد اپنے حلقے اور مردان کے عوام کی خدمت کے لئے ان کے ساتھ ہوں گا۔
#PakistanFightsCorona#KPKUpdates pic.twitter.com/mARItZkQ9X
— PTI Peshawar (@PTIPeshawar) April 6, 2020
Tiger tests positive for coronavirus at Bronx Zoo
A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City has tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, and six other big cats are exhibiting symptoms consistent with the illness, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Sunday afternoon.
“It’s the first time, to our knowledge, that a [wild] animal has gotten sick from COVID-19 from a person,” says Paul Calle, chief veterinarian for the Bronx Zoo. The Malayan tiger, named Nadia, likely contracted the coronavirus from an infected—but unknown—asymptomatic zookeeper. “It’s the only thing that makes sense,” Calle says. The zoo has been closed to visitors since March 16.
Source: National Geographic
Bahawalpur records first coronavirus death
Bahawalpur registered its first coronavirus case where a 65-year-old patient died of the disease.
Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Rana Muhammad Yousuf confirmed the death.
Two more members of the family have been shifted to the hospital after testing positive for the virus.
Pakistan’s coronavirus recoveries reach 257
With 87 new recoveries recorded in the past 24 hours, Pakistan’s tally of recovered coronavirus patients has reached 257 so far.
The new numbers are according to the government’s official portal for tracking the spread of the disease in the country.
UK Prime Minister admitted to hospital over virus symptoms
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been admitted to hospital for tests, 10 days after testing positive for coronavirus, Downing Street has said.
He was taken to a London hospital on Sunday evening with “persistent symptoms” – including a temperature.
It is said to be a “precautionary step” taken on the advice of his doctor.
Source: BBC
British Queen makes rare speech to lift nation’s spirits amid coronavirus pandemic
"I want to thank everyone on the NHS frontline, as well as care workers and those carrying out essential roles"
The Queen makes a rare televised address saying "every hour" of their hard work "brings us closer to a return to more normal times"https://t.co/Ku4DOhcotY pic.twitter.com/4H5Py12six
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) April 5, 2020
KP reports 2 deaths
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has recorded two deaths from the novel coronavirus, taking the national death toll up to 47.
Karachi: patients showing mild symptoms to be quarantined at Expo Center facility
Coronavirus patients in Karachi with mild symptoms will be quarantined at the Expo Center facility, Sindh Health Dept has informed. Karachi Expo Center was converted into a 1,200-bed field hospital last week.
However, those with moderate to server symptoms will be kept and treated in isolation wards established at the hospitals.
Lockdown, what lockdown? Sweden’s unusual response to coronavirus
For our coronavirus coverage from April 5, click here.
A need of speed, a social distancing among people is crucial. Seems like people in any part of the country doesn’t take this virus seriously. To be more precise, still social gatherings are on the peak, bored friends and relatives are inviting eachother over tea parties. Is that how this nation going to deal with such pandemic that already grabbed thousands of lives with a blink of an eye. Wisdom doesn’t come from earning degrees but self consciousness and deep thinking. it is about time for my nation to become serious. Coming days may be the hardest they never imagined. Stop the spread and come closerto Allah for your own sake.
Zaida lecture mat dau agar allah ke asulo par amal kia hota tau korona kia atom bomb bhe naqam hau jai magar yeh allah ka azaab hai jau naik laugh hai un ko karona nahi hau ga wau apne routine jare rakhe.
I did say something about wisdom but never mind. :) enjoy your gathering and be a reason to let someone die
Pakistan will at least see 2999 deaths per day then Pakistanis will recongnise the seriousness of the situation… same was the case with EU and USA