ISLAMABAD: Pakistan confirmed 33 more deaths from novel coronavirus in one day as the nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 770 and positive cases surged to 35,788.
According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 1,452 persons have been tested positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours.
Punjab remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Till now 13,561 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Punjab, 13,341 in Punjab, 5,252 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2,239 in Balochistan, 822 in Islamabad, 482 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 91 in Azad Kashmir.
Patients are under treatment at quarantine centers of 462 hospitals where 7,295 beds are available.
Pakistan has so far conducted 330,750 coronavirus tests and 13,051 in last 24 hours. 9,695 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas many are in critical condition.
Following the continuous violation of SOPs and precautionary measures by the traders, the Punjab government is considering closing various markets in Lahore.
According to sources, a high level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar. The meeting expressed serious concerns over the situation in the markets.
Sources said that SOPs were being violated in markets and the proposal to close some markets immediately in being considered.
According to sources, the government is considering to close Hall Road, Shah Alam Market, Anarkali and Azam Market in Lahore, while there are no security measures at Ichhra Bazaar, Township Bazaar and other places.
Sources privy to the government said that the shops will be challaned in the first phase and then the shops will be sealed as SOPs do not seem to be implemented.
