Punjab CM says 2.5 million households would profit from the reduction bundle. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
KARACHI / ISLAMABAD / PESHAWAR / QUETTA / LAHORE: The novel coronavirus – which originated within the central China metropolis of Wuhan in the direction of the tip of December 2019 – has unfold to all continents excluding Antarctica. The COVID-19 respiratory sickness attributable to the mysterious contagion has up to now killed 1000’s of individuals and contaminated tens of 1000’s of others throughout the globe.
Although the lethal infestation has been contained by the Chinese language authorities in Wuhan, the virus has now unfold elsewhere, particularly in Europe and the USA, with the World Well being Organisation declaring Europe as the brand new epicentre of the viral illness.
Pakistan, regardless of its shut proximity with China, remained unscathed till February 26 when a younger man from Karachi examined optimistic for the novel coronavirus. He had returned from Iran – one of many worst-hit nations.
After a quick pause following the primary case, COVID-19 circumstances witnessed a pointy surge as extra pilgrims getting back from Iran examined optimistic.
The nationwide tally of COVID-19 sufferers soars previous 1,400 with 469 circumstances in Sindh, 497 in Punjab, 138 in Balochistan, 180 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 111 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 39 in Islamabad and two in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The virus has claimed 12 lives in Pakistan. Then again, 25 sufferers have absolutely recovered.
For the reason that state of affairs stays fluid, the stats are altering quick and we’re updating them accordingly.
Comply with The Categorical Tribune’s dwell protection of the pandemic right here.
8:30pm: G-B studies eight new coronavirus circumstances; area’s tally swells to 111
Eight new COVID-19 circumstances have been reported in Gilgit-Baltistan, elevating the area’s tally to 11, the data division confirmed on Saturday.
8:00pm: With 5 new circumstances, Balochistan’s COVID-19 tally rises to 138
The Balochistan authorities has confirmed 5 new circumstances of coronavirus, bringing the provincial tally to 138 on Saturday.
7:00pm: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa govt declares Rs11.4b reduction bundle to chase away coronavirus disaster
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) authorities on Saturday accepted a Rs11.Four billion stimulus financial bundle to supply reduction to the plenty and the enterprise neighborhood amid the coronavirus disaster.
Provincial Data Minister Ajmal Wazir, whereas addressing a press convention, stated the reduction bundle would profit 1.9 million deserving households, including that the enterprise neighborhood has additionally been exempted from taxes price Rs5 billion.
Learn full story right here.
6:45pm: With Eight new circumstances in Karachi and two in Hyderabad, Sindh’s COVID-19 tally rises to 469
The Sindh well being division has confirmed 12 new circumstances of coronavirus, eight in Karachi and two in Hyderabad, as provincial tally rose to 469 on Saturday.
As of now, 189 confirmed COVID-19 circumstances have been reported from Karachi, seven from Hyderabad and one in Dadu.
Then again, a complete of 265 pilgrims have been examined optimistic at Sukkur quarantine facility and 7 in Larkana.
6:15pm: Punjab CM declares Rs10 billion COVID-19 reduction bundle for underprivileged
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzadar, whereas addressing the media on Saturday, introduced that the provincial authorities has accepted a reduction bundle price Rs10 billion for deserving households hit by lockdown imposed to comprise the unfold of coronavirus.
“We have approved a Rs10 billion package to provide Rs4,000 to each deserving families across the province,” he stated. “We have also waived off Rs15 billion taxes for business community,” he added.
2.5 million households would profit from the reduction bundle, he stated.
Docs coping with coronavirus disaster shall be given an extra one month wage, the chief minister maintained.
LIVE: Press Convention of Chief Minister Punjab @UsmanAKBuzdar#PunjabCoronavirusUpdate https://t.co/Fwjau6VkKO
— Authorities of Punjab (@GOPunjabPK) March 28, 2020
5:20pm: Well being minister urges folks to not unnecessarily flock labs for COVID-19 check
State Minister for Well being Dr Zafar Mirza has urged the folks to not flock laboratories for COVID-19 testing with out fulfilling standards set by the federal government.
“We’re publishing an advisory in Urdu on our web site about who qualifies for the coronavirus check,” he stated whereas addressing a press convention, flanked by SAPM on Nationwide Safety Moeed Yusuf and Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Authority (NDMA) chairman in Islamabad on Saturday.
Dr Mirza stated given the restricted variety of laboratories within the nation, it’s not doable to check each particular person for COVID-19. “With the surge in coronavirus cases people in large number are approaching laboratories for coronavirus test.”
The press convention was referred to as to temporary the media over measures taken by the federal government to comprise the unfold of coronavirus within the nation.
There are presently 12,218 suspected COVID-19 sufferers within the nation, out of which 1,408 have examined optimistic up to now, stated Dr Mirza.
“25 patients have been fully recovered while 11 have died up till now,” he added.
Moeed Yousuf stated the western and jap borders together with Kartarpur Hall will stay closed for additional two weeks amid the virus outbreak.
All worldwide flights to and from Pakistan will stay utterly suspended until April 4, he added.
#Live: SAPM on Well being @zfrmrza briefing media in #Islamabad. https://t.co/CVrHAp7aqL
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) March 28, 2020
5:00pm: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa confirms fourth casualty as nationwide COVID-19 dying toll rises to 12
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) authorities has confirmed that one other affected person has succumbed to COVID-19 within the province, bringing the provincial dying toll to 4 and nationwide tally to 12.
Provincial Data Minister Ajmal Wazir, whereas addressing a press convention in Peshawar on Saturday, stated as of right this moment, there are 180 confirmed coronavirus sufferers with 820 suspected circumstances within the province.
The minister stated 195 had examined unfavourable for COVID-19 until yesterday whereas check studies of 345 sufferers are awaited.
4:45pm: Sindh’s COVID-19 tally swells to 457 as 17 new native transmission circumstances emerge in Karachi
The Sindh authorities has confirmed 17 new regionally transmitted coronavirus circumstances in Karachi, bringing the provincial tally to 457 on Saturday.
In keeping with Sindh well being division, the provincial capital has 181 confirmed COVID-19 circumstances.
Total, 14 folks affected by the contagious illness have been recovered up to now, together with 13 in Karachi and one in Hyderabad.
4:11 pm: Shahbaz Sharif holds a gathering with well being specialists through video hyperlink
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a assembly with the well being specialists through video hyperlink to solicit their options to restrict the unfold of the lethal pathogen.
The PML-N president stated that docs and paramedics are on the frontline on this struggle in opposition to the coronavirus.
“Today, the whole nation salutes the doctors, nurses and the medical staff,” Shahbaz stated.
PHOTO: EXPRESS
2:40 pm: Overseas minister arrives at Islamabad airport to obtain Chinese language docs
{Foreign Minister} Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrived at Islamabad airport to obtain the group of Chinese language medical specialists.
He stated China has as soon as once more proven the world that they’re associates of Pakistan.
“I am here to receive the medical team and we are grateful to China. This is a unique relationship. And such times tell us how close we are to each other,” he stated.
Learn full story right here.
2:30 pm: China plane carrying medical tools arrives
China plane carrying reduction items arrived in Islamabad, together with a group of eight docs who will overview steps taken by Pakistan to curb the unfold of the virus.
2:23 pm: Three areas of Sadiqabad police station in Rawalpindi sealed
Three areas of Sadiqabad police station in Rawalpindi have been sealed after 5 circumstances of the virus have been reported from the realm.
5 confirmed circumstances and 37 suspected circumstances emerged within the final three days within the space.
In a bid to curb the virus, the police have ordered folks to remain at properties and navy personnel have been appointed on the streets.
2:00 pm: One other physician checks optimistic for the coronavirus
A health care provider at Liaquat Nationwide Hospital (LNH) examined optimistic for the coronavirus.
He had just lately returned from a spiritual gathering in Raiwind. He has self-isolated at dwelling and is alleged to be recovering.
LNH spokesperson stated all docs working in his division have self-quarantined and no physician, workers or affected person has examined optimistic within the hospital.1:52 pm: 16 new circumstances in Gilgit-Baltistan raises provincial tally to 107
One other 16 folks examined optimistic for the coronavirus in Gilgit-Baltistan, elevating the provincial tally to 107.
“With three patients recovered and Dr Usman Riaz’s death, the tally now stands as 103,” stated advisor CM on Data Shams Mir throughout a every day briefing at Gilgit Press Membership.
G-B Legislation Minister Aurangzeb Khan stated G-B would obtain one other 76 pilgrims from Taftan, including that preparations are being made for his or her screening and testing.
1:00 pm: Dr Zafar Mirza visits PIMS isolation centre
State Well being Minister Dr Zafar Mirza visited the PIMS isolation centre and stated he was happy with the preparations made for coronavirus sufferers.
He stated the variety of isolation rooms has elevated from 10 to 30.
Mirza assured the medical workers that each doable measure shall be taken to make sure their security.
12:47 pm: Shehbaz Sharif to seek the advice of medical specialists
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif will seek the advice of medical specialists through video hyperlink throughout the nationwide well being taskforce assembly right this moment.
12:30 pm: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa well being minister to go dwell on Fb at 8pm
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Well being Minister Taimur Khan Jhagra posted on Twitter to ship him questions, feedback or options so he can deal with the general public on his Fb dwell at 8pm right this moment.
Ship me any questions, feedback or options. pic.twitter.com/YBSNTNOAUu
— Taimur Khan Jhagra (@Jhagra) March 28, 2020
12:16 pm: Seven new coronavirus circumstances emerge in Punjab
One other seven confirmed coronavirus circumstances emerged in Punjab, elevating the provincial tally to 497.
11:58 am: Nationwide tally soars cross 1,400
Punjab has the very best variety of confirmed coronavirus circumstances at 490, Sindh reported 457, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa reported 180, 133 in Balochistan, 107 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 39 in Islamabad and solely two in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
25 folks have absolutely recovered, whereas seven are stated to be in important situation.
11:10 am: Stranded Pakistani nationals to return through particular flight
The federal authorities has allowed Thai Airways to renew flight operations to carry again Pakistani nationals stranded in Bangkok.
The stranded nationals shall be delivered to Islamabad through a particular flight. It’s going to arrive at 10:15 pm right this moment.
In keeping with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson, 175 passengers will board the airplane.
Learn extra right here.
10:00 am: Chinese language docs to reach in Pakistan right this moment
A group of eight Chinese language docs will arrive in Pakistan right this moment to overview the steps taken by the federal government to curb the unfold of the virus.
On their two week go to, the docs will advise Pakistani medical specialists on the right way to comprise the virus.
State Well being Minister Zafar Mirza stated the federal government will absolutely profit from the expertise of Chinese language docs.
9:30 am: UC Manga studies highest variety of circumstances in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa reported the very best variety of confirmed circumstances within the province in Manga Union Council of Mardan district.
In keeping with the info launched, 79 folks have been affected.
A management room has been established on the district police officer’s workplace and greater than 200 safety personnel have been deployed in Manga amid the lockdown.
District Police Officer Sajjad Khan stated 364 folks have been arrested for violating Part 144.
8:00 am: China donates 50,00zero testing kits to Pakistan
China despatched one other plane carrying medical provides to Pakistan.
The Chinese language Embassy in Pakistan stated two tonnes of provides price 67 million rupees have been delivered, together with face masks, ventilators and private protecting tools.
Learn extra right here.
1:22 am: US assists Pakistan’s struggle in opposition to the virus
US diplomat Alice Wells stated the USA helps Pakistan struggle the novel coronavirus, after it donated 11 state-of-the-art ambulances to well being authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa earlier this 12 months.
Only one instance of how @USAID‘s sturdy document of help and partnership with #Pakistan helps Pakistan with the struggle in opposition to #COVID19. AGW https://t.co/IfFjSgD5qT
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) March 27, 2020
12:30 am: Punjab studies one new dying, nationwide tally rises to 11
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar confirmed the dying of a 22-year-old in Faisalabad, elevating Punjab’s dying toll to five.
The nation’s dying toll has reached 11.
With heavy coronary heart, I’m confirming that we have now misplaced a 22 years previous affected person in Faisalabad. Complete lack of lives is at 5 now. Presently we have now 490 confirmed circumstances throughout Punjab.
It is a international well being emergency and everyone must act responsibly and assist us save lives. 1/2
— Usman Buzdar (@UsmanAKBuzdar) March 27, 2020
12:00 am: Punjab overtakes Sindh in confirmed virus circumstances
Punjab, for the primary time because the virus was first reported within the nation, surpassed Sindh.
Chief Minister Usman Buzdar confirmed the overall variety of coronavirus circumstances in Punjab is 490.
The best variety of sufferers have been in Dera Ghazi Khan, the place 207 affected pilgrims had been quarantined.
The Sindh authorities has reported 441 confirmed coronavirus circumstances within the province.
Learn extra right here.
10:00 pm: INGOs conditionally allowed to function
The Ministry of Inside accepted the worldwide non-governmental organisations help supply and gave them conditional approval for engaged on corona reduction.
The federal government has directed the INGOs to supply 4 units of paperwork, with particulars relating to their motion plan.
All organisations will work with the highest our bodies heading the federal government’s reduction efforts, together with the Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Authority (NDMA) and PDMA.
Learn extra right here.
9:00 pm: IMF confirms Pakistan’s request for monetary help
The Worldwide Financial Fund (IMF) confirmed that Pakistan approached it for monetary help.
“The Government of Pakistan has requested financial assistance under the Fund’s Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI),” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated in a press release.
She stated the emergency financing will enable the federal government to handle pressing steadiness of cost wants and direct funds to Pakistan’s most affected sectors.
Learn extra right here.
