More than 100 virus deaths for third day

Authorities in Pakistan reported more than 100 new deaths from coronavirus for the third consecutive day on Thursday, raising the overall death tally to 15,872.

Authorities reported 118 new deaths from coronavirus on Thursday. A day earlier, the country had reported 135 deaths.

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) stated that over 5,395 new coronavirus infections were reported across the country after 64,685 tests were conducted during the past 24 hours. The country has conducted its highest tests in a single day to date.

KP tightens curbs

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Thursday decided that all industrial and business activities in the province would close at 6pm.

Moreover, all markets would remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays. However, necessary businesses, including medical stores, hotels, tyre shops, petrol pumps, bakeries, general stores, milk and meat shops would function throughout the week.

All indoor activities, including sports, musical, cultural and religious gatherings have been banned while only 300 people can gather for outdoor activities while observing Covid-19 protocols.

Outdoor dining at cafes will be allowed from Iftar till 11:59pm by observing social distancing and other health measures.

If possible, Taraweeh prayers would be organised at open places and civil administration would keep in touch with clerics to ensure Covid-related protocols were enforced in mosques.