PM says second wave of virus could hit Pakistan in winter
There is a fear onset of winter could result in a second wave. I urge everyone to wear face masks in public to avoid a spike. All offices, education institutions must ensure masks are worn, says Imran
Prime Minister ( PM) Imran Khan has feared that the second wave of coronavirus could hit Pakistan in winter.
PM Khan in his tweet said, as compared to other countries, Pakistan remained safe from the worst impacts of the deadly virus by God.
“There is a fear onset of winter could result in 2nd wave. I urge everyone to wear face masks in public to avoid a spike.
“All offices & ed institutions must ensure masks are worn.”
Pakistan reported six more coronavirus-related deaths during the past 24 hours, pushing the death toll from the deadly disease to 6,513.
As many as 33,725 samples were tested during this period, out of which 632 turned out to be positive, according to the National Command and Operation Centre ( NCOC).
The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 6,513.
According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation centre ( NCOC) 632 persons have been tested positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours.
Sindh remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic in terms of cases followed by Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad.
Till now 138,050 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 99,812 in Punjab, 37,973 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 16,766 in Islamabad, 15,371 in Balochistan, 2,816 in Azad Kashmir and 3,828 in Gilgit-baltistan.
Furthermore 2,520 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Sindh, 2,240 in Punjab, 1,260 in KP, 146 in Balochistan, 183 in Islamabad, 88 in GB and 76 in Azad Kashmir.
Pakistan has so far conducted 3,644,762 coronavirus tests and 33,725 in last 24 hours.
298,968 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas 513 patients are in critical condition.
The Pakistan government has issued new standard operating procedures (SOPS) against the COVID-19 pandemic which will require travellers from affected countries to undergo a mandatory PCR test 94 hours before leaving for the country.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued the new directives which will come into from Monday and remain until December 31, The Express Tribune reported.
Accordingly, the passengers have been asked to undergo corona PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test 96 hours before departure for any airport in Pakistan.
However, passengers from countries, where the pandemic has been controlled, will be exempted.
The test would be mandatory for all passengers from “Category B” countries, where the virus is prevailing, except for children under the age of 12 years, persons with disabilities and international delegations.
The last time passengers underwent mandatory coronavirus tests was at the Karachi airport in July.
The tests were conducted by the Sindh Health Department and the results showed that 123 passengers, coming from Dubai, had contracted COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has said that its active and prominent participation in the UN General Assemblys opening session and allied meetings manifested its support and commitment to the world body’s purposes and principles.
In a statement on Saturday, Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said Pakistan would continue to participate actively in that endeavour, in cooperation with other member states, to build a world where conflict was outlawed and equitable prosperity for all was pursued in conditions of peace and security, Dawn news reported.
He said as noted by Prime Minister Imran Khan in his address to the General Assembly on September 25, the UN should be made fully responsive to the challenges of present times.
He said Pakistan participated at the highest level in the opening segment of the General Assembly’s annual session from September 21 to October 1.
He said this year’s session was of enhanced significance due to the UN’S 75th anniversary celebrations and also due to the limitations imposed by Covid-19 which necessitated the meetings to be conducted virtually.