Lockdown May Be Re-Enacted
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz warned a strict lockdown may be re-imposed if the public continues to violate SOPs during a press conference. Faraz started that the lockdown was initially lifted to prevent economic collapse and give relief to the poor who were bearing the brunt of the economic crunch during restrictions. However, as cases are now surging in worrying numbers, it is important that the public act responsibly and observe SOPs for their own health and safety.
9 Sections In Capital Sealed
Authorities sealed 9 different “red-zones” in Islamabad and stationed police and Rangers to cordon off high-risk areas after an explosion in outbreaks. According to Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqat, the sealed zones have a high population density, and that residents were flagrantly violating SOP. In the past 24 hours, 295 new cases and 4 deaths were recorded in the capital.
Sindh Policeman Succumbs To Virus
Rashid, a Special Security Unit official in Karachi, became the 8th Sindh policeman to lose his life to COVID-19 while performing lockdown duties. So far, 409 police officers in Sindh have been infected with the potentially deadly virus, among whom 133 managed to recover while 269 are either still under treatment in various hospitals and health facilities or in self-isolation.
Testing Policy For Expats Altered
The federal government has revised its mandatory 2-day quarantine for repatriated citizens after a worrying surge in COVID-19 cases and the impending shortage of available beds in in quarantine facilities. Returning Pakistanis will now be sent home after a quick medical checkup by aviation authorities, and a virus test conducted by the National Institute of Health at the airport. Expats will be sent back home to quarantine if they do not display any immediate symptoms.