ISLAMABAD: Over 3,500 coronavirus patients in Pakistan are in critical condition, the highest number since the beginning of the outbreak, the Planning Minister Asad Umar said on Sunday.
At least 5,020 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the past 24 hours. In all, 687,908 cases and 14,778 deaths linked to the virus have been recorded in Pakistan, a country of 220 million, since February last year.
Umar, who heads the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the government’s central body dealing with the pandemic, said that 3,568 COVID-19 patients in Pakistan are critically ill.
“This is the highest number since covid started,” he said in a tweet, as he called for safety protocols to be observed: “Please take precautions and cooperate with administration in their enforcement efforts.”
Since a third viral wave is building in the country, authorities last month introduced “smart lockdowns” in areas where a significant surge in infections has been observed, restrictions on gatherings and public transportation, and stricter enforcement of mask wearing and health guidelines. The government has, however, ruled out a nationwide lockdown for fears of an economic meltdown.
A relaxation in the gathering ban is expected during the fasting month of Ramadan, which is starting on April 14.
The NCOC on Friday announced that congregational prayers will be conditionally allowed, but only to those below the age of 50.
“Those older than 50 years, adolescent children and those suffering from flu, cough, etc should not come to mosques or imambargahs,” the NCOC said, reserving the right to reverse its decision if mosque authorities do not observe precautionary measures.
