Pakistan coronavirus death toll rises to 31

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities on Thursday confirmed the death of 31 people due to novel coronavirus while the total number of cases has surged to 2291.

According to official data, 845 patients have been tested positive for the epidemic in Punjab, 743 in Sindh, 276 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 187 in Gilgit-Baltistan,169 in Balochistan, 62 in Islamabad and nine in Azad Kashmir.

More than a 100 people have recovered while 9 are in critical condition.

In an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, the National Coordination Committee (NCC) has decided to extend the countrywide lockdown till April 14.

Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar informed that goods transport carrying food will remain open, while medicines will be available for the general public in all four provinces of the country.

Int l flight operation for return of stranded Pakistanis to be resumed from April 3

The authorities have announced to resume international flight operation from April 3 for the return of Pakistanis stranded in foreign countries due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

However, the domestic flight operation will remain suspended till next order.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that coronavirus situation in Pakistan is feared to aggravate however, the rate of rise in the cases may be gauged in one week time.

While addressing the inaugural ceremony of Cantonment General Hospital in Rawalpindi, the premier said that the government has been preparing to combat coronavirus since January.

Demand for medical supplies and safety gear for coronavirus treatment has increased globally, he told.

PM Imran said doctors, nurses and other medical staff are in the frontline of battle against coronavirus and they will be provided with the necessary protective equipment to ensure their safety and health.