ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday reported 732 fresh cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, data released by the National Institute of Health (NIH) showed.
According to the NIH, 22,568 samples were tested across the country in the past 24 hours, out of which 732 returned positive.
The nationwide positivity ratio was recorded at 3.24 percent, according to the data, down from 3.28 percent on Friday.
Moreover, seven Covid-related deaths were reported on Friday, said NIH, adding that 158 people are in critical condition.
Pakistan has had very few cases of coronavirus over recent months and had done away with almost all precautions.
A month ago, the positivity ratio was 0.54 percent with 79 positive cases and no deaths. According to the NIH, 85 percent of eligible people have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Over the last weekend, the aviation regulator made masks mandatory on domestic flights given the rise in the number of fresh cases across the country, it said a statement.
“With immediate effect, mask-wearing will be mandatory onboard domestic flights,” the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said late on Sunday.
Days later, on Tuesday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) issued fresh guidelines in view of the Eid ul-Adha, urging people to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The forum advised people to stay indoors during the holidays and observe precautionary measures. “It has been advised to undertake minimal necessary travel during Eid holidays as the risk of a new wave was imminent”.
According to the NCOC, the prayers should be offered in open spaces with Covid-19 protocols. If prayers are offered indoors, windows and doors of mosques be kept open for adequate ventilation.
The NCOC said the sermon should be kept brief and comprehensive with minors under 15 years of age, elderly citizens and those suffering from some illness be discouraged from attending congregational prayers.
Pakistan disbanded the forum, which was overseeing the Covid-19 response, on March 31 as infections fell to the lowest since the outbreak began in 2020 before restoring it on May 10 after Pakistan reported the first case of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1.
