Death toll reaches 15 as Pakistan’s COVID-19 tally jumps to 1,526

LAHORE (92 News) – The number of total coronavirus (COVID) cases reached 1,526 across the country till Sunday while 15 people have died till now. According to National Command and Control Authority, the nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients soared past 1,526 with 481 cases in Sindh, 558 in Punjab, 138 in Balochistan, 188 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 116 in Gilgit Baltistan, 43 in Islamabad and two in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. As many as 11 patients are in critical condition, while 28 patients have recovered from the infection. The virus claimed Pakistan’s 15th life on March 29 in Islamabad. On the other hand, 25 patients have fully recovered. 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: 1,526 RECOVERED: 28 CRITICAL: 11 DEATHS: 13 CASES (24 HRS) 12pm to 12pm: 0 DEATHS (24 HRS) 12pm to 12pm: 0 ICT: 43 PUNJAB: 558 SINDH: 481 KP: 188 BALOCHISTAN: 138 AJK: 2 GB: 116