Lockdown Works
The number of COVID-19 cases reduced by 90 percent in G9 sector, Islamabad which was sealed by administration on March 13.
Around 100 cases were being reported daily, but after enforcement of smart lockdown it came down to 8 to 9 per day: DC Islamabad
Healthcare Budget
Government of Sindh has increased the basic healthcare budget from Rs 114.4 billion to Rs 132.88 billion for the financial year 2020-21.
Another Rs 7 billion is also allocated for polio control, AIDS, TB programmes. Taking total spending on the healthcare to Rs139.17 billion in the province.
Hotspots Locked
Over a million citizens are now under a lockdown across Pakistan according to the government’s trace, test and quarantine process, said NCOC.
Section 144 imposed in hotspots of Punjab while entry and exit points in Lahore are to be controlled. Karachi hotspots to follow the same from today.
SOPs Violations
Around 10,000 SOPs violations were reported from across Pakistan. Action taken on 963 markets/shops, 18 industries & 1,186 transport vehicles: NCOC
Most were from KP (5,420 violations reported), due to which 157 shops and markets were sealed, and 102 transport vehicles fined.
Dexamethaone Use
Dexamethaone should not be used for mild cases, asymptomatic cases or healthy individuals because it can have side effects, warns Dr Zafar Mirza.
While the special Assistant to the PM warns against the unprescribed use, the drug goes missing from markets. DC Islamabad takes action to ensure supply.