210 new cases reported as Pakistan’s Covid-19 tally jumps to 2071

LAHORE (92 News) – The number of total coronavirus (COVID-19) cases reached 2071 across the country till Wednesday after diagnosing 210  new cases. According to National Command and Control Authority, the nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients reached 2071 with 676 cases in Sindh, 740 in Punjab, 158 in Balochistan, 253 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 184 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 54 in Islamabad and six in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). As many as 10 patients are in critical condition, while 82 patients have recovered from the infection. The virus claimed Pakistan’s 26th life till March 31 in the country. Partial lockdown On the other hand, partial lockdown imposed across the country as educational institutions, shopping malls, markets, restaurants, and other private business remained closed while inter-provincial and inter-city transport was also suspended. Factories, banks and the financial sector was directed to reduce work hours. The government has barred elder people and children from offering Friday prayers at mosques and issued guidelines for making lines with a specific distance. The novel coronavirus – which originated in the central China city of Wuhan towards the end of December 2019 – has spread to all continents excluding Antarctica. The COVID-19 respiratory illness caused by the mysterious contagion has so far killed thousands of people and infected tens of thousands of others across the globe. Though the deadly infestation has been contained by the Chinese government in Wuhan, the virus has now spread elsewhere, especially in Europe and the United States, with the World Health Organisation declaring Europe as the new epicentre of the viral disease. Pakistan, despite its close proximity with China, remained unscathed until February 26 when a young man from Karachi tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He had returned from Iran – one of the worst-hit countries. After a brief pause following the first case, COVID-19 cases witnessed a sharp surge as more pilgrims returning from Iran tested positive. Coronavirus in Pakistan Confirmed Cases: 2,071 Recovered: 82 Critical: 10 Deaths: 26 Cases (24 HRS) 12pm to 12pm: 137 Deaths (24 HRS) 12pm to 12pm: 0 ICT: 54 Punjab: 740 Sindh: 676 KP: 253 Balochistan: 158 AJK: 6 GB: 184