Tag: coronavirus

  • Covid positivity rate nearing 4 per cent in Pakistan

    Covid positivity rate nearing 4 per cent in Pakistan

    Pakistan’s positivity rate is closing in on 4 per cent, with the current positivity rate at 3.79 per cent.

    Daily coronavirus caseload stayed over 1,500 for the fourth consecutive day after the country reported 1,828 new cases Saturday morning.

    The latest data issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Saturday morning shows that 48,134 tests were conducted on July 9, out of which 1,828 people tested positive for coronavirus.

    Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar Friday said there are clear early signs of the fourth Covid-19 wave starting in Pakistan due to poor compliance of SOPs and the spread of the Delta variant.

    The NCOC chief said that he had warned two weeks back that the government’s artificial intelligence models are showing possible emergence of the fourth wave in July.

  • Pakistan’s coronavirus positivity rate back up at 3 per cent

    Pakistan’s coronavirus positivity rate passed the three per cent mark Wednesday morning for the first time in the last 20 days. 

    The country recorded a positivity rate of 3.27 per cent. The last time the positivity rate was 3 per cent was in June.

    According to the latest statistics by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), 46,287 Covid-19 tests were conducted across the country in the last 24 hours, out of which 1,517 people tested positive for the virus.

    The NCOC had warned of strict restrictions as it has observed violation of coronavirus SOPs in several sectors following the relaxation of curbs.

  • ‘Stop making trends on Twitter, focus on your studies’: Shafqat Mahmood advises students

    Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood has advised Pakistani students to stop making trends on Twitter against exams and focus on the preparation for the upcoming exams.

    Speaking on Dawn News programme ‘Live with Adil Shahzeb’ Mahmood said that exams have already started in Sindh and will also commence in Punjab from Friday so there is no possibility of papers being postponed or cancelled.

    “I would advise the students to stop spending time on Twitter to make trends and that it is better to focus on their education. There is still time left for exam preparation,” says Mahmood.

    When asked about Pakistani students waiting to return to China, Mahmood said he has discussed the issue with the Chinese envoy and hoped that it will be solved soon.

    “Every country is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in its own way. We all know that China is a big country and there is a risk of the virus spreading there, so the Chinese government enforced the strictest restrictions and imposed a lockdown.”

    Earlier Mahmood had said that board exams for students of classes nine and 10 would be held only for elective subjects and mathematics while exams for students of classes 11 and 12 would be held for elective subjects only.

  • NCOC recommends indoor dining at 50 per cent occupancy for vaccinated individuals only

    NCOC recommends indoor dining at 50 per cent occupancy for vaccinated individuals only

    The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) said Monday it has allowed restaurants to operate at 50 per cent indoor capacity only for vaccinated individuals.

    These decisions will be implemented from July 1-31, with a review on July 27.

    Markets and business activities will continue till 10pm. However, essential services — petrol pumps, pharmacies, medical facilities, vaccination centre, milk shops, tandoors, and takeaways — are allowed to operate 24/7.

    Restaurant and hotel management would institute a mechanism for checking the vaccination certificates of guests and will also ensure vaccination of respective management and staff, the NCOC said, adding that takeaways will be allowed 24/7.

    400 people have been allowed to attend outdoor marriages, while indoor marriages have been permitted for only vaccinated individuals, with a cap of 200 people.

    Cinemas are allowed to re-open with strict Covid protocols for vaccinated individuals only till 1am.

    Cinemas’ management will institute a mechanism for checking vaccination certificates of visitors and will also ensure vaccination of respective management and staff.

    Shrines are allowed to re-open at the discretion of federating units, while adherence to strict Covid SOPs.

    Continuation of normal working hours for public and private offices with 100 per cent attendance.

    Public transport is allowed to operate with 70 per cent occupancy with strict Covid SOPs. Railway services are allowed to operate with 70 per cent occupancy.

  • PIA to offer discounted fare to vaccinated citizens

    The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)  has announced to give up to 10 percent discount on airfare to passengers who have vaccination certificate and are aged 50 years and above, ARY News has reported. The new fares will come into effect from today (10 June).

    Senior citizens who are 50-years-old or above can avail the discount on domestic flights by showing their Covid-19 vaccination certificate issued by NADRA. However, the discount can only be availed on domestic flights.

    According to CEO PIA Arshad Malik, “PIA actively seeks to boost the government’s vaccination campaign.”

    Yesterday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided to introduce certain incentives for various sectors to encourage vaccinations.

    The NCOC also announced walk-in vaccination for citizens above 18 years of age from June 11.

  • NCOC announces 10 million successful vaccination doses

    NCOC announces 10 million successful vaccination doses

    National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) chief Asad Umar on Wednesday announced that 10 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered in Pakistan so far. 

    Speaking to a press conference, Umar said the government’s decisions to curb the virus were proving “effective” during the third wave of the pandemic. 

    “The more quickly we get ourselves vaccinated, the faster we will be able to rid ourselves of this menace,” added Umar.

    Umar said the government as well as the masses had done a commendable job in following coronavirus SOPs, resulting in the number of cases dropping. 

    “We have seen that when Pakistanis, as a nation, decide to do something, then they do it,” he said. 

    Pakistan’s coronavirus positivity rate has been recorded as 2.54 per cent in the past 24 hours — the second day in a row that the positivity rate remained below 3pc. According to the health ministry, 43,900 tests were conducted during the last 24 hours after which 1,118 people tested positive.

    Earlier, the minister had taken to Twitter to announce that Pakistan will cross the 10 million doses mark today. 

    Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who accompanied Umar on the occasion of the administration of the 10 millionth dose, tweeted: “We have reached the milestone of administering the vaccine to 10 million people [sic].”

    He also lauded the government, particularly Prime Minister Imran Khan and the NCOC, for the way it fought with deadly virus.

  • How to spend Eid ft. your favourite celebrities

    How to spend Eid ft. your favourite celebrities

    Like last year, this year’s Eid is different too with no Eid parties, ban on travelling and Apa Firdous keeping a close eye on all jhappis and pappis. However, nothing can hold back Pakistanis from celebrating even if they are confined to their homes. The Current asked your favourite celebrities how they plan to spend their Eid weekend and here is what they said.

    Ahsan Khan

    Ahsan, who hosted the super successful Ramzan transmission on PTV, while speaking to The Current said he does not plan to attend any Eid gatherings or meetings this year, even though he and his entire family have been vaccinated. The actor added that if he does, he’ll only meet some friends who have also been vaccinated but with all COVID-19 protocols in place.

    “As it is Sunnah to dress up and wear new clothes, my family and I will dress up, spend time together and enjoy lots of delicious food,” said Ahsan.

    He further said: “We should try to keep Palestinians in mind today as they are going through very tough times and we should try to donate for them also. I am also trying to organise relief for them.”

    Aijaz Aslam

    Fresh off his stint on Jeeto Pakistan, Aijaz Aslam says that he plans to spend Eid “mostly indoors with family”.

    “It’s best to stay at home and do some activities with family. I don’t have any plans of going out visiting friends. It’s best for us and everyone else,” shared the actor.

    Wahaj Ali

    Ali, who recently won hearts as Basim in Ishq Jalebi, shared that he’s going to spend some quality family time, minus the celebrations.

    “With the on-going pandemic, it’s best to spend Eid at home with family,” Wahaj told The Current. “Family celebrations are out of the question! I’m not going to be risking it at all and so it’ll be a small and simple affair where I’m going to be relaxing and enjoying my time with my family.”

    Faysal Quraishi

    “The only way to make Eid in lockdown better is being with your family,” said Quraishi while sharing his Eid plans. The actor said that after a hectic Ramzan with back to back shows, he hopes to stay home and chill out with his family and children.

    Ramsha Khan

    Ramsha’s Eid is going to be all about chilling with her favourite girls. If not for the pandemic, this one party we would have loved to be a part of.

    “I plan on spending it with my mum, sister and Bella (my dog),” shared Khan. “Just going to get all dressed up with nowhere to go!”

    The actor added: “It’s so important to follow SOPs right now and avoid huge gatherings. We need to take responsibility and play our part so that we can get back to normal life as soon as possible.”

    Anoushay Abbasi

    Anoushey Abbasi plans to avoid all large family gatherings this year.

    “I’m going to be spending Eid at home with my loved ones, where everyone is safe and sound. It should definitely be kept low-key with everything that is going on, we should really be more responsible and careful,” said Abbasi.

    “It’ll definitely be a simple affair, nothing too crazy. Big family celebrations are a huge no for me this year, I’ll be avoiding those for sure,” added the Raqs e Bismil actor.

    Junaid Khan

    “The plan is to spend Eid with my family in a simple way,” shared Junaid, asserting: “Keeping the COVID situation in mind, the fewer people we meet, the better.”

    “Even within the family, we need to stay careful because there are elders and kids. So just like last year, I plan to spend Eid the same way and I think we’ll be spending the next few Eid’s like this too,” said the actor. “We should get used to this if we want our family and loved ones’ safety. We will spend these festivities with simplicity, and even while doing so, we will keep all SOPs in mind.”

    Usman Mukhtar

    Food is going to be the central theme of Usman’s Eid celebrations.

    “I plan of spending Eid at home with family,” shared Usman, who recently tied the knot.

    “We’re gonna cook some food and spend some time together because the past few months I haven’t been getting a lot of time to spend with family. So this is a good opportunity to do that instead of going out and meeting a lot of people because I feel that we should really starting being responsible now,” said the actor.

    Ayeza Khan

    Khan and husband Danish Taimoor gave their fans a treat on Eid with a romantic video of themselves.

    The actor said that while one should celebrate Eid as it is a gift from Allah for those who fasted during the month of Ramzan, one should strictly adhere to all COVID-19 SOPs. Ayeza added that one should also not forget to include those suffering in Pakistan, India and Palestine in their prayers.

    As most of our favourite stars said, stay home and spend time with your family. Dress up, have an intimate dinner or plan a game night or movie night with your fam and chill with some snacks and food. And don’t forget to pray for those going through a tough time.

    Meanwhile, to help you all out, The Current has made a list of Do’s and Don’t for Eid in lockdown and the ultimate guide to Eid TV and telefilms airing over the Eid weekend.

  • ‘Rapid COVID-19 testing’ – CAA announces new SOPs for flights

    ‘Rapid COVID-19 testing’ – CAA announces new SOPs for flights

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued new provisions for airlines after a sharp increase in coronavirus cases. The decision came after many violations in SOP’s not being followed were reported.

    Airlines have been instructed to keep 20 per cent of their seats vacant and ensure social distancing between passengers. As per new directives, airlines violating the orders will be fined. Airport managers have been tasked to ensure that the SOPs are being followed.

    Earlier this week, the authority began rapid Covid-19 testing of international passengers at airports across Pakistan. According to the Health Ministry, through these tests, coronavirus reports will be obtained within 20 minutes.

    If reports are positive, passengers will have to isolate at a quarantine center at their own expense. Those who test negative will be allowed to go home but will have to stay indoors for a week.

    On May 1, the government decided to reduce inbound international flights to 20 per cent of the current measure.

  • Asad Umar urges unity against ‘danger knocking at our doors’

    Federal Minister Ministry for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and head of the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) Asad Umar has warned the nation about the danger of the COVID-19 “knocking at our doors” and has expressed the need to unite against the virus.

    “The need for caution is clear,” warned Umar. “The danger is higher than ever and [is] knocking at our doors.”

    The minister urged everyone to take the necessary precautions and follow the coronavirus SOPs.

    “Need the country to unite in response and achieve once again what we achieved in the first wave, for which we received global praise. InshAllah we will do it again, together,” said Umar.

    The minister also quoted examples from the other countries of the region including India and Nepal to explain the intensity of the situation.

    He also explained the rationale behind the recent restrictions imposed on mobility. To reduce mobility during the forthcoming Eid-ul-Fitar NCOC has announced a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” strategy from May 8 to May 16, with the complete ban on tourism, for both locals and outsiders. All tourist resorts, formal and informal picnic spots, public parks, shopping malls; all hotels and restaurants in/around tourist/ picnic spots to will be remain closed during the mentioned time period.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan has also started local production of the first bulk of the Cansino vaccine, which will be available at the end of the month. A special plant was set up at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad.

    Pakistan is currently administering China’s Sinopharm at govt centres and Russia’s sputnik at private centres, and the first batch of the first shipment of the British coronavirus AstraZeneca has arrived in Pakistan.

    The country is battling with its third wave of COVID-19. According to the NCOC, Pakistan has recorded 4,109 cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours while 120 people have lost their lives to the deadly virus.

    Meanwhile, Firdous Ashiq Awan has urged people to avoid the usual, “Jhappiyan or Puppiyan”, this Eid.

  • Kangana Ranaut thinks Ali Gul Pir is funny

    Kangana Ranaut thinks Ali Gul Pir is funny

    Not that we didn’t know but Kangana Ranaut thinks that Ali Gul Pir is funny.

    Responding to Pir’s video in which he hilariously recreated Kangana Ranaut’s recent video, the actor said: “At least you’re funny and made me laugh.”

    “Well we might disagree on many things but at least we can laugh together,” said Pir replying to Ranaut.

    In the original video, Kangana had lashed out at the international media calling their coverage on India’s COVID-19 strategy “disturbing.” Kangana also called out many prominent journalists including Rana Ayyub and Barkha Dutt for questioning the government’s response.

    Read more – Kangana defines ‘porn singer’ for Ali Gul Pir

    The actor further said that the liberals were “degrading the country” with their criticism on the government’s response.

    Meanwhile, India has reported a record number of cases with 392,488 new cases in the last 24 hours, pushing the total count to 19.56 million. So far, the virus has killed 215,542 people.

    Indian hospitals, morgues, and crematoriums have been overwhelmed as the country has reported more than 300,000 daily cases for more than 10 days straight. Many families have been left on their own to scramble for medicines and oxygen.

    Nearly 10 Indian states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions, even as the federal government remains reluctant to impose a national lockdown.

    The eastern state of Odisha became the latest to announce a two-week lockdown, joining Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal. Other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, have either imposed night curfews or weekend lockdowns.