ISLAMABAD: Pakistan confirmed 39 more deaths from novel coronavirus in one day as the nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 873 and positive cases surged to 40,151.
According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 1,352 persons have been tested positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours.
Sindh remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic followed by Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Till now 14,584 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Punjab, 15,590 in Sindh, 5,847 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2,544 in Balochistan, 947 in Islamabad, 527 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 112 in Azad Kashmir.
Patients are under treatment at quarantine centers of 462 hospitals where 7,295 beds are available.
Pakistan has so far conducted 373,410 coronavirus tests and 14,175 in last 24 hours. 11,341 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas many are in critical condition.
Following the continuous violation of SOPs and precautionary measures by the traders, the Punjab government is considering closing various markets in Lahore.
According to sources, a high level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar. The meeting expressed serious concerns over the situation in the markets.
Sources said that SOPs were being violated in markets and the proposal to close some markets immediately in being considered.
According to sources, the government is considering to close Hall Road, Shah Alam Market, Anarkali and Azam Market in Lahore, while there are no security measures at Ichhra Bazaar, Township Bazaar and other places.
