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Pakistan Coronavirus death toll

Pakistan reports 85 deaths, 4,553 Covid cases during last 24 hours

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COVID-19 Pakistan

With the ongoing fourth wave of Covid-19, Pakistan on Thursday recorded 4,553 new coronavirus cases taking the total to 1,140,411. According to National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the positivity rate of the country stands at 7.4 per cent while a total of 85 deaths were reported in the past 24 hours taking the total … Read more

“Unvaccinated people won’t be allowed to use public transport”: Asad Umar

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Asad Umar

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has on Tuesday said that those who have not been fully vaccinated against coronavirus will not be allowed to use public transport from October 15.

During a press conference along with SAPM on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, Asad Umar said that school teachers and staff will not be allowed to work after October 15 if they have not taken been vaccinated.

The chief of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said that vaccination has been declared made mandatory for air travel after September 30.for

He said that the government is taking steps to curb the virus spread for which vaccination is important.

He added that a single COVID vaccine dose is necessary for travelling on highways after September 15, while after October 15, no one will be allowed to use the motorway without vaccination.

Moreover, in his tweets, the NCOC Chief said the NCOC meeting today decided to lower the eligible age for covid vaccination to 15 years and older.

“Starting September 1, vaccination of 17 years old will start. For 15 and 16 years old start date will be announced later,” he added.

On the other hand, the contagious COVID-19 infection has so far claimed 91 more lives during the past 24 hours in Pakistan, taking the death toll to 25,094.

The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) has on Tuesday said that the overall confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country have climbed to 1,131,659 after the rise of 4,075 new infections.

Around 1,015,519 have recovered from the pandemic. However, the positivity rate of infections was recorded at 6.79%, NCOC said.

NCOC further said that 5,513 people are in critical condition. Overall 17,336,393 tests have been conducted so far to diagnose the deadly virus in Pakistan.

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COVID-19 claims more 91 lives in Pakistan; positivity rate recorded at 6.79%

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COVID-19 Pakistan

The contagious COVID-19 infection has so far claimed 91 more lives during the past 24 hours in Pakistan, taking the death toll to 25,094.

The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) has on Tuesday said that the overall confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country have climbed to 1,131,659 after the rise of 4,075 new infections.

Around 1,015,519 have recovered from the pandemic. However, the positivity rate of infections was recorded at 6.79%, NCOC said.

NCOC further said that 5,513 people are in critical condition. Overall 17,336,393 tests have been conducted so far to diagnose the deadly virus in Pakistan.

COVID-19 Province-Wise Details

Sindh province is the most affected region of the country with 422,418 infections, followed by the Punjab province which has reported 382,332 cases.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remains third on the list with 157,721 cases. Islamabad, 96,771, Balochistan, 31,865, AJK, 30,865 and GB have reported 9,687 new infections, so far.

Meanwhile, another 2 million doses of the Chinese vaccine arrived in Pakistan from China on Saturday.

According to a health ministry official, the government purchased the vaccine and arrived in Islamabad from China on Saturday.

Yesterday, Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah said that the health department had warned of a new wave of coronavirus next week, after which the provincial government decided to keep the educational institutions closed.

According to details, a statement issued by Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah said that the decision to close the educational institutions was taken amid new wave warnings. The Sindh Chief Minister decided to close educational institutions after consultation.

He added that vaccination of all teachers would be completed by next week.

The Sindh Education Minister said that the decision regarding schools would be taken after a week’s review. He appealed to the parents to get their vaccines shots so that the children would be safe.

The Sindh government has on Friday announced to close schools for another week and resume classes from August 30.

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Sindh’s Vaccination Numbers Sharply Increased Over Last Few Days: Murtaza Wahab

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Murtaza Wahab Sindh

Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab on Sunday paid a visit to various COVID-19 vaccination centres in Karachi.

Murtaza Wahab also reviewed the facilities available at the COVID-19 vaccination centre in District South where he was also briefed by the medical staff.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that Sindh Govt has opened nine more COVID-19 vaccination centres in Karachi which will be operational 24 hours a day.

He further said that over 193,000 people were vaccinated across Sindh on Saturday and added that with the opening of 24-hour vaccination centres, more people will be able to get vaccinated.

In his tweet today, the Sindh spokesperson also hailed the support of the residents for their sincere support as the number of vaccination has sharply increased over the last few days in Sindh.

AJK Reports Highest Daily Rise In Covid Cases

Azad Jammu and Kashmir has again reported the highest daily rise in Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began in Pakistan last year.

Over the past 24 hours, 390 new infections have been detected in the region, taking the tally to 24,891.

This is also the third consecutive day that over 300 cases have been recorded in AJK, with 356 reported the previous day — the previous highest daily rise for AJK since the start of the pandemic.

The region has reported three coronavirus-related fatalities over the past 24 hours. The death toll from the disease now stands at 628.

Meanwhile, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan have collectively reported 450 coronavirus cases and three deaths.

  • Islamabad: 394 cases
  • AJK: 390 cases, 3 deaths
  • GB: 56 cases, 3 deaths

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“We Have To Move Forward As Per NCOC Policy”: Fawad Chaudhry

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fawad

Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry has on Monday said that the Sindh government was not able to implement Covid SOPs in the province and later decided to impose lockdown on its own.

In his recent statement, Fawad said that the federal government has made its position clear from the very first day regarding lockdown.

The minister further said that Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah contacted NCOC head Asad Umar and SAPM on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan in this regard.

“The chief minister conveyed that they are going to impose lockdown,” he said, adding that he was conveyed that the provinces could not decide on lockdown and are not authorized to take individual decisions.

“We have jointly fought three waves of COVID-19 successfully and why there is a need to change the policy now,” Chaudhry said.

He further added, “Thought is needed to be given regarding reasons that led to a surge in positivity ratio in Karachi to 30% and blamed the provincial authorities for not implementing COVID SOPs properly.”

He said that the government could not shut down the industries completely and snatch livelihood from daily wagers. “We have to move forward as per the NCOC policy,” he said.

The minister further warned that if the provincial authorities would not implement orders then the federal government would use its constitutional options.

Note that Pakistan continues to record a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases as the country has reported 4,858 new infections over the last 24 hours.

The confirmed case tally in Pakistan has soared to 1,039,695, including 943,020 recoveries, adding that the positivity rate of COVID-19 infections was recorded at 8.61%, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said Monday.

The infectious disease has claimed 40 more lives across the country in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 23,462, the NCOC said.

Whereas, 3,441 people are in critical condition.

However, 56,414 tests were conducted during the said period.

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Karachi: 23% Covid Positivity Rate Due To Delta Variant Set Alarm Bells Ringing

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Karachi delta variant

The government of Karachi is likely to take stern measures in the metropolis to curb the fast spread of the Delta variant, which now accounts for 92% of the infection cases, with the positivity ratio exceeding 23%.

An official of the Sindh Health Department told that to contain the spread of the coronavirus in Karachi, some strict measures can be decided by the provincial government during the next meeting of the Provincial Taskforce on COVID-19, which is scheduled to meet today.

“Without putting strong non-pharmaceutical interventions in place, Covid’s spread cannot be controlled,” he warned.

Delta variant growing across Karachi

On the other hand, virologists claimed that the Delta variant of the coronavirus now accounts for 92% of the new cases in Karachi and is the leading cause of the increasing number of positivity and hospitalization in the city.

“Our experts at the National Institute of Virology at the University of Karachi analysed 90 Covid samples on July 14 and 15, and of them, 83 or over 92%, were of the Delta variant. This is an extremely alarming situation,” said the director of KU’s International Centre for Chemical & Biological Sciences.

He said that since the Delta variant is highly transmissible and infects a large number of people, more people will require hospitalisation, and the pressure on health care facilities will increase further.

Delta Variant Casts Shadow Over Pakistan, Dr Faisal

Earlier, Special Health Assistant Dr Faisal Sultan had warned that a new and dangerous type of coronavirus, the Delta (Indian) variant, is emerging in the country following the fourth wave.

He had said that in view of the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the country, it is important to follow SOPs to avoid other strains, including Delta.

Dr Faisal pointed out the possibility of imposing smart lockdown and said that there would be a need to restrict movement.

He further said that only those who have completed vaccination should visit tourist areas.

Dr Faisal had said that the NCOC and the Ministry of Health also have a position to avoid tourism with incomplete vaccinations.

He said the restrictions would be strictly enforced during the Eid holidays.

Dr Faisal Sultan dismissed concerns about the shortage of vaccines, saying, “We have an abundance of vaccines.”

“Apart from the use of masks and SOPs, vaccination is important which should not be ignored under any circumstances as cases are on the rise and we will re-impose smart lockdown,” he said.

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“Stop making trends on social media & Focus On Studies,” Advises Shafqat Mahmood

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Shafqat Mahmood

Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood has advised Pakistani students to stop demanding exams cancellation on Twitter as it is a waste of time and focus on their education as exams won’t be postponed.

Shafqat Mahmood said that exams have already started in Sindh and will also commence in Punjab from Friday so there is no possibility of papers being cancelled.

“I would advise the students to stop spending time on Twitter to make trends and that it is better to focus on their education. There is still time left for exam preparation,” he said in his recent statement.

The education minister has been the fodder of memes on social media due to controversy related to physical exams amidst the COVID-19 crisis in the country.

He further added that he has discussed the issue with the Chines envoy and hoped that it will be resolved soon.

“Every country is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in its own way. We all know that China is a big country and there is a risk of the virus spreading there, so the Chinese government enforced the strictest restrictions and imposed a lockdown.”

The minister said that he was aware of the problems and will take up the matter again with the Chinese government.

“The pandemic situation has improved in China and elsewhere so I hope that this issue will be resolved soon,” he said.

It may be recalled that Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood had announced in early June last year that students of class IX to XII would appear for the exams in elective subjects only and these examinations would be held from July 10.

Inter and matriculation examinations in different cities of the country are starting from July 10 which will continue till July 31 while in Sindh matriculation and matriculation examinations will be held from July 5 and July 26 respectively.

Since the announcement of the exams, students have repeatedly demanded the cancellation of the lockdown due to the short duration of their education, and students have been protesting in various cities.

As the day of board exams is approaching, this demand is gaining momentum in the form of various trends on various social networking sites and today, on July 3, on Twitter, he requested the Prime Minister to cancel the exams through the hashtag #ImranKhanStudentsKiSunLo.

Surprisingly, more than 1.4 million tweets have been sent to this top trend so far, which is far more than the number of tweets from the top trends in Pakistan.

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NCOC Amends Guidelines For Cattle Markets Ahead Of Eid Al-Adha

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NCOC Eid Al-Adha guidelines

The National Command And Operation Centre (NCOC) has said that over 16.7 million doses of the Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far ahead of Eid Al-Adha 2021.

According to the NCOC, so far over 16.7 million doses have been administered nationwide as it also began administration of Moderna COVID vaccine at Islamabad mass vaccination centre.

The decision-making body for COVID-19 in the country further issued guidelines for Eid Al Adha, directing the concerned authorities to assure that cattle markets are established outside the cities to curb the virus spread.

“A complete ban will remain in place on the sale of sacrificial animals within the premises of cities,” it said. “The staffers and the traders at the cattle market should be vaccinated.”

The body further conveyed that a team headed by DG NCOC visited Gilgit Baltistan to review the vaccination process.

Earlier, the National Ministry of Health has also issued COVID guidelines to be followed during Eid Al-Adha besides expressing concern that cattle markets could become a source of virus spread in the country.

“Social distancing should be ensured at the cattle markets besides also implementing directives regarding facemask,” the ministry said.

It further added that the temperature of those entering the market should be checked other than sanitizing the hands of the visitors.

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Citizens Traveling Abroad To Get Moderna Vaccine Jab: Asad Umar

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Pakistan vaccinates 5 crore people with at least one jab: Asad Umar

Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar said that Pakistani citizens who want to travel abroad will get the Moderna vaccine jab. The federal Minister, who also heads the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) took to Twitter and wrote, “received 2.5 million doses of Moderna sent by the US govt. This will particularly those who … Read more

2.5mn doses Of US Moderna COVID Vaccine Arrived In Islamabad

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Moderna vaccine doses arrived in Islamabad

Pakistan has on Friday received 2.5mn doses of COVID vaccine Moderna under COVAX, donated by the United States (US).

A special consignment of COVID-19 Moderna vaccine doses from the US has arrived at Islamabad International Airport today.

“These vaccines will save lives and help Pakistan emerge from this crisis, which has devastated so many families and communities in both our countries. A vaccinated public will also help bring back the economic and social interactions we all welcome,” said CDA Aggeler.

In addition to today’s vaccine donation, the US has delivered nearly $50 million in COVID assistance through our partnership with the government of Pakistan. Since the start of the pandemic, we have worked together to improve lab testing, disease monitoring, and patient care.

Note that Pakistan has so far received 100,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine through the COVAX facility and also made an agreement to procure 13 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer.

Earlier, more than 600 diplomats from 57 countries have been vaccinated at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

An agreement had been signed between Pfizer Pakistan and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to supply 13 million Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT 162B2) vaccines.

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Pakistan Likely To receive 2.5Mn Doses Of Moderna Vaccine From US

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Moderna vaccine Pakistan

The United States (US) has on Monday announced to send 2.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine to Pakistan, confirmed White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

Jen Psaki said the doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are being sent to Pakistan to help Islamabad in the battle against the deadly pandemic.

She further said the US is sending 1.5 million doses of Moderna to Honduras, 2 million Modern doses to Peru this week.

“Thanks to president s commitment to playing a leading role in ending the pandemic everywhere.”

Last week it was reported that Pakistan is likely to receive Moderna’s mRNA-1273 coronavirus vaccine doses in the coming months through COVAX — the World Health Organization’s global shared vaccine programme.

Note that Pakistan has so far received 100,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine through the COVAX facility and also made an agreement to procure 13 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer.

Earlier, more than 600 diplomats from 57 countries have been vaccinated at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

An agreement had been signed between Pfizer Pakistan and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to supply 13 million Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT 162B2) vaccines.

“We are proud to work with the Pakistani government and to pursue the common goal of bringing the COVID-19 vaccine to the public,” said Syed Muhammad Wajeeh­uddin, Country Manager, Pfizer Pakistan.

Sean Marett, Chief Business and Chief Commercial Officer at BioNTech, also thanked the Pakistani government for trusting him in his ability to develop vaccines.

Pfizer and Biotech have set a target of producing more than 3 billion doses of the vaccine globally by the end of this year.

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Special Plane Carrying 2mn Sinovac Vaccines Arrives In Pakistan From China

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COVID-19 vaccine

Another two million doses of China’s Sinovac vaccine arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday (today).

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said extra Sinovac doses acquired by the Government of Pakistan arrived on board a special flight of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is procuring the Covid-19 vaccine under the supervision of the NCOC, it said.

However, the Sinovac vaccine will be provided in all the provinces.

The NCOC said the country’s daily vaccination rate will pick up with the arrival of the new consignment.

Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan received a special consignment of the Sinovac vaccine of 1.55 million doses through a special PIA flight from China.

According to the National Command and Operating Center (NCOC), this is part of the planned contracted quantity of Sinovac vaccine purchased from China.

China as time tested friend of Pakistan has taken special measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of vaccines to Pakistan.

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Previously, the British high commissioner to Pakistan, Christian Turner, tweeted that Pakistan has received 1.2 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses.

“This pandemic has kept us apart but also brought us together. Welcoming the arrival of the first batch of #COVAX UniofOxford AstraZeneca vaccines in Pakistan; 1.2m doses for world’s 5th largest country,” Turner had said on Twitter.

On the other hand, in addition to guidelines that apply to all COVID-19 vaccines, Oxford-AstraZeneca will not be administered to females below the age of 40 years in Pakistan.

Here are detailed guidelines about the AstraZeneca vaccine:

Vaccine Storage

  1. Storage and transportation in maximum shelf life are 6 months stored in a refrigerator between 2 to 8°C.
  2. Once removed from the fridge, maybe stored between 2 to 25°C for up to 6 hours.
  3. Do not freeze the vaccine in any circumstance.
  4. Protect the vaccine from direct exposure to sunlight.
  5. Once punctured, the vial must be used within 6 hours.
  6. Must not be frozen.
  7. During storage keep vials in the outer carton to protect from light.

Who Should Receive The Vaccine?

  1. All male adults over the age of 18 years.
  2. Women over the age of 40 years

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NCOC Amends guidelines for two-dose Chinese vaccines

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Covid-19 jabs temporarily suspended for children aged 12 to 15: NCOC

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has updated the guidelines for the two-dose Chinese vaccines.

The two-dose SinoVac and Sinopharm vaccines were initially given with a four-week gap which has now been increased to six weeks, announced by NCOC.

Commenting on the development, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said that plenty of Sinovac doses were available in the country, while more were coming.

The SAPM said, “It would provide some flexibility in timing. Will help in some situations.”

Pakistan faced a shortage of vaccines last week and vaccination had to be stopped in various cities till a fresh shipment of 1.5 million doses of Sinovac arrived Sunday.

Pfizer vaccine

Pakistan has reached an agreement with Pfizer-BioNTech for supplying 13 million doses of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine by the end of July 2021.

Sputnik V

Similarly, Pakistan is also in the final stages of procuring 10 million doses of the Russian Sputnik V. Its shipment is likely to reach Pakistan by the end of the current month or the first week of July.

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Pakistan Will Receive 13 Million Pfizer Vaccines Under Agreement

Under the agreement with Pfizer, Pakistan will receive 13 million doses of US vaccines.

According to reports, more than 600 diplomats from 57 countries have been vaccinated at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

An agreement has been signed between Pfizer Pakistan and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to supply 13 million Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT 162B2) vaccines.

“We are proud to work with the Pakistani government and to pursue the common goal of bringing the COVID-19 vaccine to the public,” said Syed Muhammad Wajeeh­uddin, Country Manager, Pfizer Pakistan.

Sean Marett, Chief Business and Chief Commercial Officer at BioNTech, also thanked the Pakistani government for trusting him in his ability to develop vaccines.

Pfizer and Biotech have set a target of producing more than 3 billion doses of the vaccine globally by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) has reported 30 deaths and 907 new cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the number of active cases to 34,020.

A total of 2,497 coronavirus patients are being treated across the country while 283 are on ventilators.

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Pakistan receives 1.55M Sinovac vaccine doses from China

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Sinovac vaccines by China

Pakistan has on Sunday received a special consignment of Sinovac vaccine of 1.55 million doses through a special PIA flight from China.

According to the National Command and Operating Center (NCOC), this is part of the planned contracted quantity of Sinovac vaccine purchased from China.

China as time tested friend of Pakistan has taken special measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of vaccines to Pakistan.

Another consignment of 2-3 Million doses of Chinese vaccines will reach Pakistan next week.

Earlier, the Chinese authorities have vowed to continue the uninterrupted supply of vaccine to help Pakistan battle the ongoing deadly COVID-19 outbreak.

Pakistan had so far received over 13 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines comprising of Sinopharm, Sinovac and CanSino obtained from China.

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Previously, Pakistan had obtained 1.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to maintain the ongoing immunization drive against the deadly pandemic.

British high commissioner to Pakistan, Christian Turner, had tweeted that Pakistan has received 1.2 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses.

“This pandemic has kept us apart but also brought us together. Welcoming the arrival of the first batch of #COVAX UniofOxford AstraZeneca vaccines in Pakistan; 1.2m doses for world’s 5th largest country,” Turner said on Twitter.

Also, here are detailed guidelines about the AstraZeneca vaccine:

Vaccine Storage

  1. Storage and transportation in maximum shelf life are 6 months stored in a refrigerator between 2 to 8°C.
  2. Once removed from the fridge, maybe stored between 2 to 25°C for up to 6 hours.
  3. Do not freeze the vaccine in any circumstance.
  4. Protect the vaccine from direct exposure to sunlight.
  5. Once punctured, the vial must be used within 6 hours.
  6. Must not be frozen.
  7. During storage keep vials in the outer carton to protect from light.

Who Should Receive The Vaccine?

  1. All male adults over the age of 18 years.
  2. Women over the age of 40 years

Read more

Pakistan Records 39 More COVID Deaths; positivity rate drops to 1.9%

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Pakistan Coronavirus positivity rate

Amidst the dropped positivity rate of the novel Coronavirus in Pakistan, the deadly virus has claimed 39 more lives during the past 24 hours, raising the overall death toll to 21,913.

According to the latest data released by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), in the last 24 hours, 54,647 tests for coronavirus were conducted in Pakistan, of which 1,043 people tested positive, while 39 people succumbed to the deadly disease.

The positivity rate was recorded at 1.90%. The new infections rose when 54,647 tests were conducted during the said period.

With 1,410 recoveries over the past 24 hours, the total number of recovered patients has reached 888,505, while the total number of tests to diagnose the pandemic is recorded at 14,026,336.

Punjab remains the worst-hit province as 344,641 cases have been reported so far since the pandemic outbreak. Sindh arises with 330,552 cases, according to the NCOC dashboard.

136,663 COVID-19 cases have been detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 82,278 in Islamabad, 26,466 Balochistan, 19,868 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and  5,759 cases have been reported in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Earlier, the Sindh government affirmed Covid-19 vaccination mandatory for people obtaining driving licenses across the province.

The decision was taken in the meeting of the Sindh COVID Task Force headed by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Furthermore, the Sindh government allowed restarting business activities in the province for six days a week, following the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decision.

“The business closure will be ensured as per the decision of the NCOC,” the chief minister stated that the businesses will remain non-operative on Sunday in the province, while the businesses can continue their activities for six days in a week with taking care of  Covid-19 SOPs.

The chief minister further took notice of the issue regarding the issuance of vaccine certificates without the inoculation process and directed the IG Sindh and the home department to take strict action against the concerned person.

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Salaries of unvaccinated Sindh government employees should not be released: Murad Ali Shah

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Murad Ali Shah

Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has on Thursday announced to suspend salaries of those government employees who will fail to get vaccinated From July.

While chairing the meeting of the Sindh Corona Task Force, Murad Ali Shah has directed authorities to stop the salaries of government employees who are not getting themselves vaccinated against the deadly COVID-19 outbreak.

The meeting also reviewed the coronavirus situation and the overall statistics of vaccination in the province.

CM Murad said salaries of unvaccinated Sindh government employees should not be released if they did not get the coronavirus vaccination and issued directives to the finance ministry in this regard.

According to the Sindh Health Department, 1,550,553 people have been vaccinated in the province so far, while 1,121,000 people have received the first dose and 429,000 people have been fully vaccinated against the virus.

Moreover, more than 79.53 million people have been vaccinated across the country so far. The national coronavirus monitoring body has set a target of vaccinating 70 million people in the country this year.

Pakistan Coronavirus Situation

Pakistan has reported 92 more deaths in the last 24 hours by the novel coronavirus, taking the nationwide tally of deaths to 21,022.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data, the total cases have seen a minor rise over the past 24 hours as many as 2,028 new cases of the COVID-19 identified. The overall country’s caseload reaches 926,695.

Moreover, around 51,523 samples were tested, out of which 2,028 turned out to be positive. The positivity rate of germs was recorded at 3.93%, the NCOC said.

3,889 more people recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours, taking the number of recovered patients to 852,574.

However, those who are in critical care are almost around 3,630.

So far, Punjab has reported a total of 340,989 cases, Sindh 320,488, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 133,450, Islamabad 81,446, Balochistan 25,370, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 19,344, and Gilgit Baltistan 5,608.

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Pakistan: Final Dates For Board Exams 2021 Announced

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Matric, inter exams 2024: Punjab board takes important decisions

The government has on Monday announced a final decision regarding the board exams’ schedule, which has been changed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic across Pakistan.

According to the details, the students of classes 10 and 12 will reportedly give their matric and intermediate exams first. The education ministers of all the provinces agreed that no student, including those of classes 9 and 11, will be promoted without exams this year.

However, the exams of class 9 and 11 will take place later as the government has changed the order of examinations.

The final dates for the exams are as follows:

  1. Exams for class 10 will start on June 19.
  2. Exams for class 12 will start on July 6.
  3. Exams for class 9 will start on July 20.
  4. Exams for class 11 will start on August 5.

There will be no matriculation and intermediate practicals, 50% marks in practicals will be given to all students while the remaining 50% marks will be given in connecting to the average of the marks of part-second theory.

The publication reported that no student of matric and intermediate Part II will get as many marks in Part II.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood had said that government will give priority to exams for grades 12 and 10 followed by grades 11 and 9.

In his tweet, the Education Minister had said, “Interprovincial Education Ministers Conference (IPEMC) took place yesterday. It was decided that Board exams would begin after June 15. Intermediate and Matric exams would be given priority so that results can come in before university admissions.”

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Punjab Govt. Notifies To Extend COVID Lockdown Till May 30

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Punjab COVID lockdown extended

Owing to the rising number of Coronavirus cases in Pakistan, the Punjab government has announced to limit COVID restrictions further in Punjab province till May 30th.

The Punjab government on Saturday announced it was extending the coronavirus lockdown till May 30.

A notification released by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department of the provincial government stated that the lockdown forced has been prolonged till May 30.

The notification has the following points in highlights:

  1. Certain services have been exempt from these restrictions such as medical services, pharmacies, courier and postal services, utility offices including electricity, gas, internet and cellular companies, petrol pumps, shops of essential goods and the food delivery service.

  2. All public gatherings and social events will remain banned in districts where the coronavirus positivity ratio remains above 8%.

  3. Ban on indoor and outdoor dining in restaurants will have also been extended. However, takeaways and delivery services for restaurants have been allowed by the government.

  4. Offices will be allowed to reopen with a strict 50% work from home policy in place. Cinema halls will remain closed, and a complete ban will be imposed on all public gatherings, sports, and cultural events.

  5. Transport services will be allowed to run with 50% capacity.

https://twitter.com/GovtofPunjabPK/status/1393803035785273344?s=20

Earlier, the Government of Punjab had announced to put more areas of the province under smart lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus.

The government had notified imposition of smart lockdown in several areas of provincial capital city Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad.

According to the notification, the government had clamped smart lockdown in 22 areas in Lahore, nine areas in Rawalpindi, four localities in Gujranwala, and three areas of Gujrat.

The health authorities earlier imposed smart lockdown in 13 areas of Lahore and declared the closure of the shopping malls, restaurants, and offices in areas under lockdown, whereas, movement of local residents was also restricted.

The health secretary had announced that only one person and a vehicle will be allowed to move at a time, whereas, a complete ban will be observed on all gatherings and events.

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“Sinopharm Vaccine Not Banned”, Murtaza Wahab Denies Fake Reports

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Murtaza Wahab As Administrator Karachi Vows To End Politics Of Discrimination

Murtaza Wahab, the Sindh government’s representative, has denied rumours regarding the Sinopharm vaccine’s banning in the province.

In a tweet on Friday, Murtaza Wahab rejected claims saying that the doses of the Sinopharm vaccine had been stopped for the time being.

“This decision has been made to ensure adequate supply for people who have already received their 1st dose of Sinopharm #SayYesToVaccine,” he added.

Coronavirus Situation – Death Toll In Pakistan

Sindh has reported 714 new COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths during the past 24 hours.

As per the daily reports, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that at least 13 more patients of Coronavirus lost lives overnight raising the provincial death toll to 4,793.

714 more people were diagnosed with the COVID-19 during the same period, raising the tally in the province to 297064, he added.

The chief minister said that 11,110 samples were tested in a day, which detected 714 cases.

Eid Al-Fitr Guidelines

Earlier, to curb the rapid spread of Coronavirus across the country, the National Command and Operating Centre (NCOC) had issued guidelines during Eid holidays.

  1. Eid prayers should be organised in open spaces with COVID protocols. If there is a compulsion to offer prayers in a mosque, then windows and doors should be kept open for ventilation.
  2. Eid prayers should take place in 2-3 shifts at one venue with staggered timings to minimise attendance.
  3. Efforts should be made to keep the sermon (khutba) very brief in order to reduce exposure.
  4. Discourage sick, elderly, and children under 15-years of age from attending prayers.
  5. Mandatory wearing of face mask.
  6. Multiple entry and exit points at prayer venue to avoid rush of individuals.
  7. Thermal screening at entry points.
  8. Availability and use of hand sanitisers at entrances and exits.
  9. 6-feet social distancing markings at the venue.
  10. Worshippers should bring their own prayer mats.
  11. Encourage people to perform wudhu/ablution at home
  12. Discourage socialising and handshakes at the venue after prayers.
  13. No gathering before and after prayer.
  14. Banners/panaflexes highlighting COVID-19 protocols should be displayed at prominent places at the venue as part of the awareness campaign.
  15. Well laid out parking areas should be prepared for crowd management.

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NCOC Issues New Guidelines For Eid Al-Fitr Prayers Following COVID Outbreak

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Eid Al Fitr prayers new guidelines

In view of the pertaining COVID-19 situation in Pakistan, the government has issued new guidelines for the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr 2021 in order to curb the spread of the virus.

On Tuesday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has approved new guidelines for Eid Al-Fitr in Pakistan. The meeting of NCOC was held under the chairmanship of Chief Asad Umar in which Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Health Dr. Faisal Sultan and others participated.

According to the guidelines, Eid prayers will be offered in open spaces with adherence to Coronavirus SOPs, keeping the doors and windows open if it is necessary to offer prayers inside the mosque.

The prayers will be offered two to three times in order to avoid the crowd in the mosque or any open space and that the Eid prayer sermon should be very less and people are directed to must wear masks during the prayers.

The guidelines further state that multiple entrances to mosques and Eid venues should be provided. Hand sanitizers should be placed at the entrances of mosques and a distance of six feet should be kept between the worshipers.

Moreover, the worshipers should bring their prayer mat along with them and must perform wudu at home and avoid hugging and shaking hands.

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NCOC Extends Closure Of Educational Institutions Till May 23

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NCOC Educational Institutions Closure till May 23

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has on Saturday announced to extend the closure of schools till May 23 in view of the rising COVID-19 cases.

In a meeting of NCOC, it has been decided that the educational institutions which were closed till May 17 will now remain closed till May 23.

Earlier, the University of Karachi (KU) has suspended on-campus classes till 17th May in wake of the ongoing wave of the novel coronavirus.

According to the details, a notification has also been issued in this regard.

As per the notification:

  1. The in-person/on-campus classes and labs are suspended till 17′ May 2021. However online classes will be held as per time table.
  2. All examinations are suspended till further orders.
  3. Dr. Mahmud Husain Library including all Departmental Seminar Libraries will remain closed for students, however, limited staff will be available for necessary official services.
  4. Office timings shall be from 09:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) & 09:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. (Friday) for morning staff and 02:00 p.m. to 04:00 p.m. for evening staff.
  5. All Para Medical Staff / Ambulance Drivers / Engineering Technical Staff / Security Guards / Sanitary Workers / Malis and other technical staff engaged in essential services shall perform their duties as usual.
  6. General Public and Students are advised to avoid visiting the University Offices / Departments.
  7. The Essential public dealing would be allowed at Silver Jubilee Gate counters with the strict compliance of SOPs of Covid-19.
  8. In the teaching departments, the Dean’s of faculties will make a schedule for different departments of their faculty to open twice a week on a rotational basis.
  9. In the administrative departments, the Sectional Heads are authorized to call the essential staff as per the requirement of the Section.

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Federal Cabinet Meeting Reviews Prevailing COVID Crisis, Economic Situation

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Federal Cabinet Meeting

Prime Minister Imran Khan chairs the meeting of the Federal Cabinet here on Tuesday (today).

The meeting reviewed the overall COVID-19 situation in the country and the measures taken to reduce its spread.

The meeting will also discuss the overall political and economic situation of the country.

The cabinet will ALSO discuss an 8-point agenda during the meeting.

According to sources, the meeting would approve the appointment of a production control manager at Heavy Industry Taxila.

The cabinet would also give a nod to the deployment of the Pakistan Army in aid of civil administration, added sources.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Imran Khan exchanged his views to Islamabad-based ambassadors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries.

Prime Minister said that Islam is a religion of peace and security, linking it with terrorism is a great injustice.

He said that the ambassadors also gave suggestions with reference to the media and appreciated the thinking and concern of the Prime Minister and said that they would extend all possible cooperation on this issue.

The Special Representative said that the Saudi government has announced the construction of a large mosque at the International Islamic University. The 80-Kanal mosque will have a capacity of 12,000 worshipers in which 2,000 women and 10,000 men will be able to offer prayers.

He said that a library with modern facilities and an Islamic research centre would also be set up in the mosque.

He said that the government has welcomed the announcement of the establishment of another mosque after the Faisal Mosque.

This is a new message of brotherhood, love and strengthening of ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the premier added.

He said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are two important countries in the Islamic world and the two countries have a relationship based on faith and belief.

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KP Government To Exempt Doctors From Professional Tax This Year: Sources

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KP doctors exempted from tax

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to exempt doctors from the professional tax this year in recognition of their services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to sources, the doctors and frontline workers in KP will not have to pay this year’s tax following their heroic services since the pandemic began.

On the other hand, After KP Health Minister Taimur Khan Jhagra, Balochistan Awami Party’s (BAP) Bilawal Afridi and Shafiq Sher attended an iftar party and violated the guidelines issued by the government.

During the iftar party, the attendees spotted violating coronavirus safety measures.

Earlier, Taimur Jhagra was booked for violating COVID-19 protocols after he attended an iftar dinner at a restaurant.

Jhagra attended an iftar dinner at a restaurant despite a ban on indoor and outdoor dinings to control the virus spread.

The province is currently facing the worst conditions under the third wave of coronavirus.

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Shahbaz Sharif censures PTI govt. Over disastrous COVID-19 Situation

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Shahbaz Sharif

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s President Shahbaz Sharif has on Thursday blamed the ruling PTI government over the disastrous COVID-19 situation in the country.

During the meeting with the parliamentary members of his party, Shahbaz Sharif said that the PTI-led government committed “criminal negligence” as it could not control the pandemic in the country.

He added, “If Prime Minister Imran Khan not wasted time espousing vain philosophies, the death toll would not have reached 200 in a day.”

Speaking about the coronavirus situation in the country, the National Assembly (NA) member stressed the government should advance the vaccination drive on an emergency basis.

“Failure of the government to control the pandemic due to mismanagement has endangered the lives of people,” Shahbaz said, adding that the system of governance [under the PTI] leadership has been “completely paralyzed and suspended.”

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“Pakistan Army Would Do Anything To Safeguard People’s Health”: DG ISPR

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DG-ISPR Babar Iftikhar

Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar has on Monday (today) said that Pakistan Army will never step back when it comes to the security of our nation.

Babar Iftikhar is holding a press conference on the current situation of the novel Coronavirus across the country.

“To help the civil government and assist law enforcement agencies is the primary purpose of deployment of troops [to battle coronavirus],” said the DG ISPR.

He further added, “The people’s confidence (in the army) is the Pakistan Army’s asset.”

“In these pressing times, the army would do everything in its power to safeguard the people’s health in every nook and corner of the country,” Iftikhar added.

Commenting over the current pandemic situation, he said Army has been called in under Article 245 of the Constitution to assist civil administration and law enforcement agencies to prevent the spread of the deadly pandemic.

He said, “A brigadier level officer will head the army troops at divisional level, while an officer with the rank of Lt Colonel will serve at the district level.”

DG ISPR said Pakistan Army will not claim any kind of internal security allowance for its services in containing the contagion.

Major General Babar Iftikhar said, “75 per cent of oxygen has been reserved for the health sector and if the situation aggravates the oxygen meant for the industrial sector will also be diverted to hospitals to save lives.”

“There are around 90,000 active Covid cases in Pakistan, while the positivity ratio of these cases is higher than five% in 51 cities.”

“The ventilator occupancy has reached 90% in some of the cities. He said so far 17,187 people have died of Covid-19,” he added.

He called for collective responsibilities of observing Standard Operating Procedure like wearing a face mask and maintaining social distance to avoid the spread of the virus.

Babar Iftikhar said by strict compliance of SOPs at homes and mosques, during Ramadan, we can help one another in this critical time.

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Asim Azhar Lashes Out At Govt. For Risking Students’ Lives by Taking Exams This Year

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Asim Azhar is trending on Twitter for all the right the reason

Singer Asim Azhar lashes out at the government for not considering the demands of students and others to cancel exams 2021 just for the sake of their ego.

Taking to Twitter, Asim sound “angry” as he said the future of students matters when they have a guaranteed and safe future by not targeted by the Coronavirus.

“Abay bhai future bachay ga tou ayega na? At this point, it feels like the gov has taken it to it’s ego to hold the exams this year. With this rising wave of covid, it will be a huge mistake to let kids take the virus back to their homes,” he wrote.

He, in another tweet, pointed out that not only the exams should be cancelled but also the government should consider over imposing a lockdown across the country in order to battle with the virus completely.

The Ghalat Fehmi singer added, “Also, when I ask my government to cancel the exams this year, I also ask them to activate strict lockdowns thru out the country. Aisa nahi hai ke bas exams cancel hojayen aur baaki mulk mai party chalay. I hope we all agree on this as well.”

Earlier in the day, Singer Falak Shabir has a piece of exciting news for all the students.

As students from around the country are demanding the cancellation of board exams 2021 amidst the ongoing deadly COVID-19 outbreak.

However, Shabir took to his Twitter and said that this year’s exams will be cancelled soon.

Later, in his Instagram story, the singer assured that this is going to happen by saying: “Mark my words.”

Falak Shabir

Board Exams Schedule

According to Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood, all Cambridge exams will proceed as per schedule as AS and A-Level exams will begin on April 26 and O Level and IGCSE exams on May 10.

On the other hand, Matriculation and Intermediate board exams have been deferred and will take place in late May.

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Coronavirus Update: Pakistan records 144 deaths in a single day

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COVID-19 in Pakistan: National Death toll jumps to 19,210

Pakistan has reported 144 more deaths related to the coronavirus during the last 24 hours, taking the overall death toll to 16,842. According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Covid-19, the country reported 144 more deaths due to the pandemic, while 5,870 new cases were reported during this period. The national tally … Read more

Asim Azhar Once Again Requests Shafqat Mahmood To Cancel Exams 2021

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Asim Azhar Shafqat Mahmood

After Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood updated about the board exams today, Popular singer Asim Azhar once again voices support for students following the ongoing COVID-19 third wave across Pakistan.

A, AS, O level and IGCSE exams will be held as per the date sheet announced by CAIES, announced Shafqat Mahmood via his Twitter handle on Sunday.

He also announced that there will be no cancellation or delay in the exams.

However, Asim Azhar took to his Twitter and questioned the minister who will take responsibility if these students take COVID to their homes.

He wrote, “Who will be responsible if kids take covid back to their homes just so they could appear in exams?”

He, in another tweet, urged Mahmood to think wisely about his decision.

“Abhi bhi waqt hai, bacho pe tars khaalain,” the tweet read.

Moreover, the Minister for Education has also announced that classes 1 to 8 will be closed and the details will be given by provinces and GB/AJK.

Earlier, Twitter had raged with students advocating for the cancellation of board exams this year following the deadly third COVID-19 wave across the country.

Students demanded to cancel board exams 2021 amidst their disturbed learning schedules.

Several students were also demonstrating on the streets so that the government take proper notice of their demands.

#ExamCancelHoga, #cancelboardexams2021 and #Shafqat Mehmood began trending top on Twitter as social media users and students are quite concerned amidst the sharp rise of COVID-19 cases.

Singer Asim Azhar had also jumped to the bandwagon and voiced his support over exams cancellation.

He took to Twitter to request the cancellation of exams for Pakistani students.

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