Four corona deaths, 789 new cases reported

ISLAMABAD: The Covid-19 positivity ratio in Pakistan slightly declined to 3.63% as the country logged at least 789 new cases in 24 hours period, the National Institute of Health, Islamabad (NIH) data showed Thursday morning. While, four people succumbed to the disease during the treatment, taking Pakistan’s coronavirus death toll to 30,499, reported Geo News.

As many as 21,741 coronavirus tests were conducted that reported a positivity ratio of 3.63%, as compared to the 3.85% rate of yesterday. The number of total positive cases surged to 1,556,445.

Meanwhile, the number of people who have recovered from Covid-19 went up to 1,517,032. At least 160 Covid-19 patients are being treated in intensive-care units of different hospitals across the country.

With Pakistan logging hundreds of Covid-19 cases every day, the NIH has advised strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), including mask wearing and social distancing during Muharram gatherings. Gathering and majalis to remember the Shuhada-e-Karbala (martyrs of Karbala) have started as the country observes the new Islamic year — which began on Sunday (July 31).

NIH has restricted the elderly and children from attending the gatherings and majalis during Ashura in a Covid-safe manner, as the risk of another outbreak looms with an uptick of the virus across Pakistan.

NIH had already issued SOPs and guidelines for holding gatherings and processions in Muharramul Haram.