Second wave of Corona: Pakistan's cases positivity rate spikes to 4.5%

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - The second wave of coronavirus sounded the alarm as COVID-19 positivity ratio was rapidly increasing nationwide which was 4.5 per cent prevailing in Pakistan amid 15 major cities having higher positivity ratio.

A meeting of National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) was informed on Monday that 4136 micro small lockdowns are in place across the country to control the spread of second wave of coronavirus.

The forum was informed that Test Trace and Quarantine strategy is being used for disease control and prevention. The NCOC meeting discussed in length recent surge in Covid-19 positivity ratio and recent enforcement measures post National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting.

The Chief Secretaries briefed the Forum on their initiatives particularly administrative measures and enforcement efforts regarding face mask wearing and arrangements for outdoor weddings’ modalities to ensure compliance of fresh health guidelines.

The Forum noticed that positivity ratio in major cities was increasing rapidly as Hyderabad was having highest positivity ratio in Pakistan with 16.59 percent positivity ratio, Gilgit 15.38 percent, Multan 15.97 percent, Muzafarabad 14.12 percent, Mirpur 11.11 percent , Peshawar 9.69 percent, Quetta 8.03 percent, Islamabad 7.48 percent, Karachi 7.12 percent, Lahore 5.37 percent and Rawalpindi 4.63 percent.

The forum was informed that recent health guidelines will remain in force in sixteen major cities till 31 January next year.

The meeting was apprised that 2811 oxygenated beds were included to ramp up hospitals capacity. Over 13000 oxygen cylinders were issued to the provinces and federating units.

The NCOC appreciated efforts of provinces for taking prompt and necessary measures in line with health guidelines for public safety and well-being.