Balochistan Extends Lockdown
The Balochistan government announced a 15-day extension to the ongoing lockdown after a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases. Under lockdown restrictions, inter-city and inter-province travel will remain suspended, and all malls, markets, and restaurants will remain closed. The provincial government has also made it mandatory for all citizens to wear masks in public or else risk prompt arrest and quarantine. The government announced that restrictions will be made tighter and strictly enforced if people refuse to comply with the lockdown.
KP Mosques Flout SOP
Official reports presented to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government have raised an alarm over SOP violations in mosques across the province. The report submitted photographic evidence of people attending congregational Friday prayers in the hundreds and failing to observe social distancing, with worshippers praying shoulder to shoulder. KP’s COVID-19 fatality ratio of 5.19% against the national average of 2.1% may exacerbate as worshippers and mosques continue to ignore restrictions, the report warned.
PIMS Staff Test Positive
PIMS Mother and Child Care Hospital and an operation theater at the Children’s Hospital in Islamabad were temporarily sealed after a total of 15 staff members across both units tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease. 30 patients admitted to the Mother and Child Care Hospital were discharged while 3 serious cases were transferred to Capital Hospital. The Mother and Child Care Hospital will remain closed for 8 days while the Children’s Hospital operation theater will be reopened after 3 or 4 days.
Virus Kills 2 Karachi Policemen
A police constable succumbed to COVID-19 on May 5, the second police official in Karachi to do so following the demise of an assistant sub-inspector on May 3. The constable, 55 year old Mohammed Anis 55, was diagnosed positive on April 26 and was advised self-isolation. He died on his way to Indus Hospital when his condition deteriorated. It was later learned that Anis was suffering from heart problems.