Coronavirus Pandemic
Pakistan on Friday imposed new restrictions on public life as the country’s new daily COVID-19 infections rises to 1,000 for the first time since July.
Businesses have been ordered to shut early in major cities and neighbourhoods identified as coronavirus hotspots are to be placed under lockdown with nobody allowed to leave or enter.
Face masks are now mandatory in public in Pakistan’s 11 largest cities, said Asad Umer, the minister in charge of the country’s pandemic response.
Pakistan is currently in the middle of a second wave of coronavirus infections much like that seen in many European countries, Umer added.
Yasmin Rashid, Health Minister of the Central Province of Punjab, said that the ratio of people testing positive after being tested had surpassed three per cent for the first time in three months.
At least 20 additional related deaths were recorded on Thursday, also the highest figure in months.
Pakistan has so far recorded more than 332,000 COVID-19 infections and 6,800 related deaths.
Medics are warning that with the onset of winter the caseload is likely to rise and that the next two months will be critical for the country.
Prime Minister Imran Khan urged people to wear face masks to hold back the second wave. (dpa/NAN)
– Oct. 30, 2020 @ 14:49 GMT |
Tags: 000 COVID-19: Pakistan tightens restrictions as infections rises to 1
