Health experts concerned as Pak sees sharp spike in cases

Reopening of businesses and tourism sector blamed for the surge in cases; over 20% people, aged 50 and above, administered at least one vaccine dose: Umar; vaccine certificate must for tourists: NCOC

- Tariq Butt

ISLAMABAD

Pakistan continues to see a surge in the COVID-19 cases as 1,980 new infections have been reported during the past 24 hours, taking the country’s virus tally to 973,284.

According to the latest figures released by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), 27 more people succumbed to the deadly disease in a single day, pushing the nationwide death toll to 22,582.

As many as 48,382 tests were conducted in the previous 24 hours, out of which results of 1,980 patients came back positive.

The infection rate slightly increased to 4.09 per cent from yesterday’s 3.79%, it said.

With a threefold increase in number of people being tested positive for the deadly coronavirus disease everyday in less than three weeks, health experts believe the reopening of businesses and tourism sector is responsible for the resurge in cases and urged the government to announce a lockdown so that Eid Al Adha is celebrated with the observance of strict health-related restrictions.