Last Updated on: 4th May 2021, 04:14 am
Pakistan reported 5,611 new coronavirus infections and 118 people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours on Sunday.
Data from the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) showed that 55,128 tests had been performed in the past 24 hours, of which 5,611 were positive.
The coronavirus positivity rate in Pakistan today (Sunday) is 10.17%, while the number of active cases across the country is 795,627.
Also Read: How to get registered for COVID vaccine in Pakistan
On the other hand, the total coronavirus recoveries are listed at 689,812.
The NCOC also extended the two-day ban on inter-provincial transportation (Saturdays and Sundays) to May 17. In addition, he said 6,901 oxygenated beds had been set up to service the growing number of patients and he decided to monitor the oxygen supply critically.
The NCOC meeting, chaired by the Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar, looked at planned closings in cities with high virus prevalence among stakeholders.
Starting tomorrow, Sunday, walk in vaccination for those who are between 60 to 64 years old will be started. Walk in for 65 and above has already been open. All those 60 and above who are registered go to your vaccination center and get vaccinated. Vaccination open on sunday also
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 24, 2021
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Participants felt that if cases continued to increase, the intensive care units in that particular city would be overwhelmed.
“The decision about the closure will be made after consultation with all interested parties. The purpose of the bans will be to contain the spread of the disease through the implementation of standard operating procedures, ”the forum said in a statement.
“Some proposed restrictions include closing markets and shopping malls, minor services, banning public transport between cities and closing educational institutions,” he added.
The NCOC also said the Army, FC and Rangers would provide assistance to law enforcement at the request of provincial governments.
It was reported that 500,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine were due to arrive on a special PAF plane from China on Saturday evening, which would allow citizens 60 and older to enter.
The cans later arrived in Islamabad at 8 p.m. and were taken to a warehouse at the National Institute of Health.
The NCOC statement states: “A detailed briefing was also held on the oxygen supply to sanitary facilities. Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases, a total of 6,901 beds have been added to meet the higher demands. The oxygen supply is also critically controlled. The forum also recognized NDMA’s efforts to improve health facilities. So far, the NDMA has installed 2,811 oxygen beds, 431 ventilators, 1,196 oxygen bottles, 500 bipaps and 1,504 digital pulse oximeters in the existing healthcare system.”
