Pakistan’s COVID-19 death rate still less than projected numbers: Mirza

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza has said that Pakistan’s COVID-19 death rate is still less than the projected numbers.

Addressing a press conference, Dr Zafar Mirza has advised the citizens to strictly follow all SOPs countrywide to effectively fight against the epidemic.

He said there were 20-point SOPs regarding Mosques during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak. He added that there were SOPs for COVID-19 positive patients with regard to their quarantine and travelling.

Dr Mirza said initially those businesses were allowed where less chances of spread of the disease but with an obligation to follow the specified SOPs.

He also asked citizens to follow SOPs issued by the government regarding shopping, for use of masks and for business activities to protect themselves from the disease.

The policy of smart lockdown could be successfully implemented if citizens fully cooperate with the government, he added.

He said people would be informed through media about their responsibilities and the citizens can also visit official websites of the health ministry to know about these SOPs.

Sharing breakup of COVID-19 cases, he 194,000 tests had been conducted in Pakistan so far while this figure was gradually increasing day by day. He added during last 24 hours, as many as 9,164 tests were conducted.

Mirza said that so far 18,114 confirmed cases had been reported with 1,297 cases during last 24 hours.

In last 24 hours, 622 COVID-19 cases were reported from Sindh, 393 cases from Punjab and 172 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while 4,715 patients had been recovered completely, he said.