Health experts fear the third wave of coronavirus may hit the country if the government does not enforce strict restrictions. COVID-19 cases in the country have already been on the rise since the government has lifted many restrictions.
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Thursday issued an alert and urged the government to impose restrictions to avoid a third wave of the virus. The association is a representative body of health professionals in the country.
The government on February 24 relaxed many COVID-19 restrictions across the country, allowing indoor wedding ceremonies and the reopening of shrines and cinemas. These would come into effect on March 15.
“This hasty decision could take us towards resurgence in number of cases that could increase the risk of third wave of coronavirus in Pakistan,” Dr SM Qaisar Sajjad, Secretary General PMA (Centre), said in a statement.
Smart lockdown imposed in 12 localities of Lahore
In a bid to stem the spread of COVID-19 in Lahore, the provincial government has imposed a smart lockdown in 12 localities of Lahore. These areas include Gulshan Block of Iqbal Town, Chauburji Park area, Bund Road, Wahdat Road, Islampura, Sodiwal. Phase 2 and 4 of DHA, Ghazi Road and Samanabad have also been sealed.
NCOC data
The number of COVID-19 cases reported in Pakistan have recently been showing an upward trend. Data from the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) reported 1,388 reported new COVID-19 cases on March 2, and 1,519 on March 3.
In the last 24 hours, 1579 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Pakistan while 52 lost their lives, according to the latest statistics released by the NCOC. Most casualties were seen in the province of Punjab followed by Sindh.
As of March 5, the total active COVID-19 cases in Pakistan stand at 17,117.
Punjab is the most affected province now, as 30 of 52 deaths in Pakistan yesterday occurred there. In Lahore, 36 % of ventilators reserved for COVID-19 patients are occupied, and while 21 % are occupied in Multan. In Sindh, 17 people lost their lives during the last 24 hours, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 3 casualties.
“There has been a constant increase in positivity percentage and prevalence of Covid-19 in the Punjab province during the last two weeks which poses an imminent threat to public health,” reads a notification issued by the Punjab government
