Dubai: The number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan are expected to rise to 50,000 by April 25, a report submitted to the Supreme Court has revealed.
The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination has submitted a report to the Supreme Court bench, which is hearing a petition filed against a March 20 order of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to release under trial prisoners (UTPs).
The report to the Supreme Court of Pakistan explained the national action plan for combating the coronavirus outbreak in the country. In its report, the government explained the situation arising in the wake of the pandemic and the severity of suspected cases.
Number of cases
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 2,884 on Sunday after new infections were confirmed in the country. The official figures also reported 45 deaths and recovery of 170 patients. Punjab remained the worst-hit with 1,163 cases followed by Sindh (864); Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (374); Gilgit Baltistan (205); Balochsitan (185); Islamabad (78); and Pakistan-administered Kashmir (12).
According to the report, the tally of coronavirus infections may top 50,000 by April 25. Some 2,392 of those infected might be in critical condition; 7,024 in severe condition and 41,482 facing mild infection, reported The Express Tribune.
The report reveals that the mild cases require care at home and in isolation centres. In severe cases, hospitalisation is required and intensive care becomes mandatory.
However, the report noted that projections may change as they are based on trends in other countries. “They should only be taken as an indicator and not for any disclosure as they may create public unrest.”
Slow pace
The report said after 35 days, number of the confirmed cases in Pakistan is very low as compared to Europe and Iran. It emphasised that there is need to ensure implementation of burial protocols and training for burial workers and religious leaders. The Supreme Court of Pakistan refuses to close courts amid the outbreak.
The report also highlighted the measures taken to control spread of coronavirus and make the testing system more efficient. The government is monitoring the situation 24/7, it said.
Passengers' arrival
The Federal Ministry of Interior in its report said 13,494 persons have arrived in Pakistan since January 1 after screening by concerned authorities. The Pakistan Coast Guards have sealed all the jetties to control movements from the sea.
All arrivals at the airports, seaports and land routes are being managed in coordination with relevant stakeholders. Eastern and western borders of the country have been sealed till the situation stabilises.
The Punjab government in its report stated that a Corona Crisis Management Cell has been established to monitor the situation. It said Section 144 has been imposed in the province. More than 1,500 pilgrims who came from Iran have been quarantined in three cities: Faisalabad, Multan and DG Khan.
The report said the policy guideline for shifting of prisoners from high density confinement to lower density confinement is being implemented. The sole suspected infection was isolated and later shifted to Mayo Hospital Lahore.
Prisoners' cases
The Lahore Camp Jail where this case was detected has been isolated and sealed and prisoners are being shifted to other jails. It said so far, 609 under trial prisoners have been shifted to Hafizabad District Jail and 200 under trial prisoners have been shifted to Lodhran Jail.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza said that all the concerned public sector organisations were closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation to make further plans as per changing conditions, reported APP.
In his daily briefing on COVID-19, Dr Mirza said all federal, provincial, civil and military organisations were fully committed to control further spread of the disease and protect the citizens from this virus.
He said work had been completed on all medical equipment and health professionals to combat COVID-19.
Rumours
He said wrong figures and other estimates were being shared on social media on COVID-19 and asked citizens to avoid further sharing of such false information and continue to trust the government.
He said the National Command and Control Centre had a crucial role at this stage and was working effectively to share accurate information besides creating awareness among public about the disease.
Dr Mirza said manufacturers should avoid selling substandard sanitisers in the market and stressed the need to have checks on this wrong practice.
Pakistan COVID-19 cases, April 5
Total confirmed cases: 2,880
Deaths: 45
Recovered: 170
Punjab: 1,163
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 374
Balochistan: 185
Islamabad: 78
Gilgit-Baltistan: 206
Pakistan Administered Kashmir: 12
