ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has surpassed the grim landmark of 21,000 deaths from the coronavirus on Thursday as another 92 people passed away from the deadly virus the previous day.
Pakistan continues to witness a marked reduction in the number of coronavirus cases as it reported around 2,082 while the positivity ratio has slipped below four percent.
According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), Pakistan reported 2,082 cases and 92deaths in the previous 24-hour period. The national tally of coronavirus cases has reached 926,695 while the death toll stands at 21,022.
There were 51,523 tests conducted in the past day, while the positivity ratio has dropped to 3.93%. The number of active cases in the country has also reduced to 53,099 while 3,630 patients remain in critical condition. Overall 852,574 people have recovered from the virus, including 3,889 in the past day.
Punjab remains the most affected region but has witnessed a decline in cases. The province has recorded 340,989 cases and 10,132 deaths, while the number of active cases in the province has reduced to 17,517. Islamabad has recorded 81,446 cases and 763 deaths while there are 4,198 active cases in the federal capital.
Sindh has recorded 320,488 cases and 5,073 deaths while the number of active cases in the province has increased to 24,775. The number of coronavirus cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands at 133,450 and 4,580 deaths while Balochistan has recorded 25,370 cases and 285 deaths.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has started coronavirus vaccination for those aged 18 years and above. Earlier this week, NCOC chief Asad Umar made an announcement, saying that the vaccination has been opened for of all eligible age groups simultaneously.
According to the federal minister, more than five million people have been vaccinated so far against the coronavirus infection in Pakistan. He encouraged the public to get themselves registered for vaccination at the earliest.
On May 16, Pakistan had opened registrations for citizens aged 19 and above for COVID-19 vaccination. In a tweet, Umar had said registration will be open for the entire national population which is approved by health experts for the vaccine.
He had explained that the government was opening up registrations for more age groups as Pakistan’s vaccine supply continues to improve and the country’s vaccination capacity gets enhanced day by day.
On May 3, Pakistan opened registration for the vaccination of people aged between 40 to 49 years across the country and, subsequently, began walk-in vaccinations for people of the same age group.
