Pakistan records 78 deaths, 2,439 new cases

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan suffered its highest daily death toll from coronavirus on Friday, with 78 people succumbing to the disease.

It brings the total number of deaths in the country to nearly 13,95, according to figures released by the National Command and Operation Center on Friday morning.

At least 2,429 new coronavirus cases have been reported over the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally of infections to 66,235.

There are 24,104 confirmed cases in Punjab, 26113 in Sindh, 9067 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 4087 in Balochistan, 2192 in Islamabad, 660 in Gilgit-Baltistan, and 234 in Azad Kashmir.

Sp far 24,131 patients have recovered from the virus while the death toll stands at 1395.

According to the NCOC, 12, 020 new tests were conducted in the last 24 hours and of them 2,429 came out positive.

Meanwhile, Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr. Zafar Mirza has urged people not to let their guard down against coronavirus, as the number of cases and deaths could increase in the country in coming days.

Giving media briefing in Islamabad, he said situation regarding availability of ventilators and beds across the country is under control.

The Special Assistant said 18 to 20 percent out of total number of ventilators are in use at the moment.

He said National Command and Operation Centre is closely watching the situation and will adopt strategy accordingly in consultation with various stakeholders.

Dr. Zafar Mirza said people could not grasp the situation regarding lockdown. He said a new instruction guide has been issued for the people who die of corona.