COVID-19 situation has worsened in Sindh with Karachi’s positivity rate reaching 26% mark on Tuesday (today).
CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah chaired a meeting of Provincial Task Force on Coronavirus at CM House in Karachi.
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During the meeting, the forum was apprised that COVID-19 positivity rate in Karachi is at alarming 26.32%, whereas the provincial positivity rate has reached 12.7% mark.
The participants were informed that COVID-19 positivity rate has exponentially increased in Karachi; it stood at 20.72% on July 24th, 24.82% on July 25th and has now surpassed 26%.
In Karachi, District East has reported highest positivity rate with 33%, District Central – 20%, District Korangi – 21%, District West – 19%, District Malir – 17%, whereas District South has reported 17% COVID-19 positivity rate.
A total of 362 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported across Sindh in July so far.
The meeting was attended by provincial ministers including Nasir Hussain Shah, Akram Dharejo, Qasim Soomro, along with Chief Secretary Sindh, IGP Sindh, Additional Secretary Interior, Advisor to CM on Law Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui, representatives from finance, health, school education and industries.
Pakistan Army’s Corps V and Sindh Rangers officials were also present at the moment.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Sindh has 686 ICU beds with ventilators, of which 76 are in Karachi.
CM Sindh has directed COVID-19 facilities to be established at Government Hospital Liaquatabad, Government Hospital New Karachi, Services Hospital, Korangi Hospital.
No ‘Unnecessary’ Movement After 6 pm
Notably, Sindh government has also barred ‘unnecessary’ movement after 6 pm all across the province in its bid to curb virus spread.
Urging the people to stay home and avoid going out without any valid reason, CM Shah has directed the additional IG police and commissioner Karachi to ensure timely closure of the markets, and closure of tuition centers and private gyms which were still operating.
Separately, COVID-19 vaccination certificates are now mandatory for anyone visiting Sabzi Mandi.
According to provincial minister for agriculture Muhammad Ismail Rahoo has announced that no businessmen, visitors, commission agents, traders or employees will be allowed inside the vegetable and fruit markets without their vaccination certificates and masks.
The development comes as Sindh has revised its COVID-19 restrictions from Monday July 26th a day earlier.
As per the new restrictions;
- Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants will be banned
- Shopping malls and markets will be allowed to remain open from 6 am to 6 pm
- All educational institutions will remain closed, but exams will be held as per schedule
- Marriage functions at wedding halls and other events will not be allowed
- Shrines will remain closed
- Fridays and Saturdays will be observed as safe days
- Offices and in public and private sectors will be allowed to remain open with 50% occupancy
