Islamabad: Prime minister Imran Khan took to social media to caution people against violations of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during Eid al Adha saying it could result in resurgence of virus.
“I urge the nation to continue observing SOPs essential to sustain our positive trend. Eid al-Adha must be celebrated with simplicity so as not to repeat what happened last Eid when SOPs were ignored & our hospitals were choked. I am ordering strict implementation of govt SOPs,” said the prime minister in the second tweet.
260,000 cases, 5,475 deaths
Pakistan on Friday reported a total of 259,998 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 5,475 deaths across the country with 2,085 new cases and 49 deaths were reported in the last twenty-four hours.
These figures show the new cases of coronavirus are constantly on the decline and according to Minister for Special Initiative Asad Umar, 50 per cent decrease in cases has been reported in July as compared to that in June.
The number of recovered cases from coronavirus has also gone beyond 180,000 while reduction in coronavirus tests remains a question yet to be answered.
According to the health ministry’s portal, 23,907 coronavirus tests were conducted during the last 24 hours.
Foreign Minister Qureshi recovers
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has recovered from the novel coronavirus after remaining in self-isolation in his hometown, Multan for over two weeks.
He tested positive on July 3 and immediately quarantined himself after his test report came. However, on Friday, he announced on twitter about his recovery adding he has now resumed work.
“Thank you all for your good wishes and support. I am fortunate to be back in office today post #COVID. I pay tribute to Pakistan’s healthcare and frontline workers for being our backbone in the fight against this pandemic with unyielding commitment and dedication. I salute you,” said Qureshi in his tweet.
Hospital in Islamabad on high alert
The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) has been placed on high alert for two months after concerns were expressed regarding a possible resurgence of coronavirus during the upcoming Eid al Adha and later the Islamic month of Muharram al Haram.
The hospital will remain on high alert from July 20 to Sept 20, during which time staff leave will be cancelled and even protests have been banned, said a senior doctor of the hospital.
