Murtaza Wahab rejects rumours of stricter lockdown in Sindh

KARACHI: Sindh government spokesperson Barrister Murtaza Wahab has rejected rumours regarding a stricter lockdown and closure of shops in the province.

Murtaza Wahab in a video statement issued on Sunday urged citizens not to scare those around them through misinformation, he also requested to the people not to listen to any rumours until the government made official announcements.

The spokesperson pointed out that as a result of the scare about the tighter lockdown, citizens were rushing to the markets while ignoring protective steps against the novel COVID-19, which could be extremely dangerous. He also assured the availability of essential items during the COVID-19 lockdown, if extended.

Urging people to wait for the government’s official announcement regarding the extension of the lockdown, the spokesman maintained that the decision will be taken in consultation with the federal government.

Wahab informed that 16 more people died from the disease during the last 24 hours, taking the number of fatalities 481- a 1.7% mortality rate in the province, he added.

“The death rate by COVID-19 is rising with the passage of each day and the situation is in front of us,” said Wahab, urging people to be cautious.

On behalf of the government, he urged people to stay at homes as much as possible or wear masks and maintain social distancing if they need to leave their homes.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said 885 new cases of COVID-19 have detected while 16 more patients died during the last 24 hours.

In a statement on the COVID-19 situation, CM Murad Ali Shah said 885 new infections were detected when 4,100 tests were conducted.

He said 16 more people died from the disease during the last 24 hours, taking the number of fatalities 481- a 1.7% mortality rate in the province, he added. CM said, “Of the total, 334 patients or 31% are in critical condition. Of these, 62 are on ventilators.”

The chief minister said currently 13,954 patients are under treatment in Sindh out of which 12,773 were in home isolation, 108 at isolation centres and 1,073 at different hospitals across the province.

He said that 553 more patients were recovered in the last 24 hours and have returned to their homes.