Pakistan records over 3,300 new Covid cases, 40 deaths

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reported more than 3,300 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, the highest since July, as the country grapples with a second wave of infections that has forced it to reimpose tough social distancing measures.

The daily tally exceeded 3,306 for the first time since July, according to the National Control and Operation Center (NCOC).

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country now stands at 386,198, while the death toll jumped to 7,843.

Prime Minister Imran Khan appealed to the nation to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Talking to media in Lahore on Wednesday evening, he said pressure on hospitals as well as on Pakistan’s economy will mount if SOPs are not followed in letter and spirit. He said with the blessing of Almighty Allah, the nation not only successfully overcame economic problems but also contained the spread of the Coronavirus during the first wave of the pandemic.

He said all this happened due to the complete support from the people, especially, Ulema. He said Pakistan was the only Muslim country in the world, which did not close its mosques as Ulema played a pivotal role in observing SOPs in mosques. He urged people to make it mandatory for themselves to wear face mask, which is the easiest way to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

The Prime Minister said the government has decided not to close factories and other sources of earning in order to save people’s lives from COVID-19 and hunger. He said today Faisalabad’s textile industry is running with full capacity and contributing to enhancing Pakistan’s exports.