Pakistan records 6,808 Covid cases; where 54% were reported in Sindh only

Pakistan has recorded 6,808 COVID cases in the last 24 hours; where 54% of them were reported in Sindh only.

This is the second-highest daily COVID-19 case count since the pandemic started in 2020 as the country is witnessing a rapid rise in infections due to the Omicron variant.

The highest number of cases 6,825 were recorded on June 13, 2020.

According to National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), a total of 58,943 samples were tested, out of which 6,808 turned out to be positive.

The positivity rate in the country jumped to a nine-month high Thursday morning to 11.55 % as compared to yesterday’s 9.48%.

While 918 patients are in critical condition.

Region-wise breakdown of reported COVID cases and deaths in the last 24 hours is as follows:

• Sindh: 3,738 cases, 1 death
• Punjab: 1,493 cases, 2 deaths
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 331 cases, 2 deaths
• Balochistan: 36 cases
• Islamabad: 1,131 cases
• Gilgit-Baltistan: 6 cases
• Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 73 cases

A day earlier, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) announced a series of restrictions to curb rising Covid-19 cases that are to be applied in cities having COVID positivity of more than 10%.

New announced COVID restrictions are as follows:

• Classes for students aged below 12 years will be allowed with 50 percent attendance in cities having an infection rate of over 10%. In other cities, however, schools will remain open with full attendance and students over the age of 12 years must be fully vaccinated.
• Vaccination of students above 12 years will be compulsory from Feb 1.
• Large-scale testing will be carried out at “high disease prevalence” educational institutes for targeted closure.
• Markets and businesses will continue to operate without any restriction.
• Indoor and outdoor dining, as well as wedding functions, will be allowed only for vaccinated people.
• There will be a complete ban on indoor dining and weddings in cities with over 10% Covid positivity ratio with effect from Jan 24. However, outdoor dining and weddings with a maximum limit of 300 fully vaccinated guests will be allowed.
• Only vaccinated people will be allowed in gyms, cinemas, shrines, and amusement parks. However, 50% capacity will be ensured at these places in cities with more than a 10% positivity rate.
• Public transport will operate with 70% occupancy (trains at 80%) for fully vaccinated and mask-wearing will be mandatory throughout the journey.