Seven more COVID-19 cases reported in GB, taking provincial toll to 307

GILGIT BALTISTAN: Gilgit Baltistan(GB) health officials have reported seven new cases of the novel COVID-19 on Friday, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the region to 307.

Citing the details of COVID-19 cases, GB health department tweeted, the total number of coronavirus cases in the region stands at 307, including three deaths. As many as 213 patients have recovered from the disease so far.

#COVID19 Summary in Gilgit Baltistan
24-04-2020#CoronaFreeGB #InshaAllah pic.twitter.com/gDm5LWYWut

— Health Department Gilgit-Baltistan (@HealthDeptGB) April 24, 2020

Earlier, doctors in Gilgit-Baltistan had urged the government to review its decision of relaxing the COVID-19 lockdown.

They had demanded the government to impose strict lockdown restrictions to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Addressing a press conference in Gilgit, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) GB said that introducing relaxations in the COVID-19 lockdown will cause a spike in the coronavirus cases in the region.

The doctors demanded protective kits for medical professionals across the region. They said Skardu and central Gilgit hospitals were facing the burden of patients from all other districts.

They  said that the CM incentive package should be extended for Gilgit and Skardu hospitals. They also urged the people of the region to stay at home in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has announced that the federal government has decided to extend the nationwide lockdown till May 9.

Addressing a press conference at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) today Asad Umar has informed that the decision was taken after consultation with all the provincial governments.