Covid Cases In Pakistan Rise Overnight Amid Delta Variant Fears
Pakistan recorded 2,545 Covid-19 cases on Thursday which indicates a 28.5 per cent increase over the 1,980 cases reported a day earlier. In the last 24 hours, there have been 78 critical cases of Covid and 47 deaths from the virus. The positivity rate has risen to 5.2 per cent from 4.17 per cent reported a day earlier.
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) reported 2,545 positive tests in the last 24 hours as a result of conducting 48,910 tests. The total number of cases has increased to 981,392 and the death toll is 22,689.
Over the past few weeks, officials have expressed alarm about the Delta variant that was first detected in India. Last week, Prime Minister Imran Khan issued a warning of an upcoming fourth wave. He had termed the Delta variant ‘the biggest concern’.
Federal Minister Asad Umar has also expressed alarm at the possible ramifications of a spread in the delta variant.
Rapid build up starting to take place in covid patients hospital inflow, as well as patients in critical care. This indian variant has caused devastation in countries in the region. Please follow sop's and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Do not risk your own & others lives.
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) July 15, 2021
The minister also shared news about a devastating hunger crisis in India as a result of Lockdowns.
The PTI government has been hesitant to enforce heavy lockdowns due to the harm it causes to the lowest income citizens of Pakistan.
Further, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan has said that Covid numbers continue to rise.
Covid numbers continue to rise
New cases last 24h = 2545
National positivity = 5.2%
City-wise % positivity – Karachi 19%, Peshawar 9.4%, Islamabad 6.2%, Lahore 3.8%Use masks (even if you are vaccinated)
Avoid crowds
Vaccinate – over 580,000 doses administered yesterday!— Faisal Sultan (@fslsltn) July 15, 2021
So far only 4,323,805 people in Pakistan have been fully vaccinated against covid-19. Vaccination can still allow transmission so people are advised to continue wearing masks and observing social distancing.
