COVID Watch (25th March 2020)

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COVID Watch

Cases Surge in KP

40 new confirmed COVID-19 cases crop up in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa overnight, bringing the province’s tally to 78. 100 passengers entering Mansehra from Lahore via Karakoram Highway claim they were not screened for COVID-19.

Arrests for Defying Curbs

748 persons arrested under PPC section 188 within 2 days for defying Sindh government orders for 2 week lockdown. Courts order release of 50 on bail & personal bonds – officials warn of curfew if curbs continue to be trounced.

Education in Crisis

Cambridge International Examinations cancelled amidst pandemic, students to be awarded grades via school assessments. Ministry for Education proposes TV channel to deliver educational content in order to stifle academic stagnation.

Labourers Stranded

Approximately 200 labourers from Upper Dir stranded in Rawalkot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir amidst lockdown. Closure of hotels, markets & eateries, & travelling restrictions have prompted laborers to plead for help from government.

Curbs Tightened in Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister orders closure of all shops save medical units from 8 am to 8 pm amidst increasing violations of lockdown. Body formed in consultation with welfare organizations to devise plan to provide funds or rations to labourers.

Private Hospitals Step Up

Pakistan Association of Private Medical & Dental Institutions offer 1000 beds, 240 isolation chambers & 80 ventilators. Treatment, drugs & food to be provided free of cost, alleviating some of the burden on public medical units.