Tag: coronaviruspakistan

  • ‘Complete ban on tourism’ – NCOC’s Eid regulations

    ‘Complete ban on tourism’ – NCOC’s Eid regulations

    The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has announced a complete ban on tourism, for both locals and outsiders. The ban shall be observed from May 8-16, the week leading up to and including Eid holidays.

    All tourist resorts, formal and informal picnic spots, public parks, shopping malls; all hotels and restaurants in/around tourist/ picnic spots to remain closed.

    All travel nodes leading to tourist/picnic spots both in Northern areas and in South to remain closed. Locals, especially people belonging to Gilgit Baltistan and AJK will be allowed to travel back home.

    The NCOC will form monitoring teams at federal, provincial, and district levels to ensure the implementation of coronavirus SOPs.

    All business and shops to remain closed during this time period, with exceptions like food outlets, grocery stores, paramedics, petrol pumps and bakeries etc.

    On Monday, Pakistan witnessed a total death toll of 161 individuals, due to Covid-19. The country has recorded a total of 837,523 confirmed Covid cases, with current positivity rate of 8.9%.

  • Two-week lockdown in 20 cities by May 3?

    Two-week lockdown in 20 cities by May 3?

    The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has sought input of provincial governments for a two-week lockdown in 20 cities.

    Pakistan’s top monitoring body wrote letters to the provincial authorities where the coronavirus situation is extremely bad and the restrictions imposed by the authorities have failed to stem the spread.

    Within the past 24 hours, Pakistan has recorded its highest tally of both single day deaths and infections, 201 and 5,292, respectively.

    The letter titled ‘Input / Feedback — City Wise Lockdown’ came after a meeting of the body on Apr 27.

    In the letter, the authorities directed that a two-week city-wise lockdown in affected districts was cautiously planned and provinces need to carry out necessary planning at the earliest.

    The most-affected cities where the lockdown could be imposed include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Hyderabad, Peshawar, Dir Lower, Mardan, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Swat, Swabi, Muzaffarabad, Sudhnuti, Poonch and Bagh.

    The letter also comes amid warnings from the government in case people continue to flout COVID-19 SOPs and the third wave situation continues to worsen.

  • IN PICTURES: Fahad Mirza celebrates birthday sans social distancing

    While a pandemic rages across the country, our celebrities appear to live in another dimension.

    Fahad Mirza recently celebrated his 40th birthday in an extravagant party that saw several celebs including Mirza’s wife Sarwat Gilani, Zeba Bakhtiar, Sheheryar Munawar, Frieha Altaf, and Mansha Pasha in attendance. Besides the birthday celebrations, there was also a qawwali performance by Fareed Ayaz. However, what was missing was social distancing, masks, and other COVID-19 protocols.

    Fahad Mirza

    Shaharyar Munawar and Sarwat Gillani
    Fahad Mirza
    Fahad Mirza and Sarwat Gillani
    Fahad Mirza
    Fahad Mirza
    Birthday Party
    Birthday Party
    Birthday Party of Fahad Mirza

    Meanwhile, Frieha defended the celebrations, saying “”First of all, it was a very small gathering and it was on an open rooftop it was also Fahad’s 40th birthday. All SOPs were followed, there were masks, temperature checks at the gate and I believe most of the guests already vaccinated or had antibodies,”

    Speaking to The Express Tribune, the model-actor said: “The only time anyone took off the mask was to take a picture. I think when people see pictures and videos they end up assuming the worst.”

  • VIDEO: Nida, Yasir Nawaz get first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

    VIDEO: Nida, Yasir Nawaz get first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

    Nida Yasir and husband Yasir Nawaz have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

    Sharing pictures of themselves getting vaccinated, Yasir said: “First dose of COVID-19 vaccine from South City hospital [in Karachi].”

    Nida also shared a short video clip of herself getting the first dose.

    “First dose [of] COVID-19 vaccine,” wrote Nida in the caption.

    After getting the dose, Nida can be heard praising the healthcare worker who administered her the vaccine.

    “Wah kya halka hath hai. Pata hi nahi chala, mein toh darr rahi thi.“

    Last year in May, Nida, Yasir and their daughter had tested positive for the virus and were isolating themselves at home. After recovering, they had also donated their plasma to help coronavirus patients in critical conditions.

    Meanwhile, an Instagram user commented on Nida’s post that how is she able to get the dose when she’s not above the age of 50. Nida replied and cleared that they have received a private vaccine dose, which is is now available for all age groups in Pakistan.

  • Adnan Siddiqui’s ‘vote is with the vaccine’

    Adnan Siddiqui’s ‘vote is with the vaccine’

    Adnan Siddiqui has gotten vaccinated!

    The actor shared a video of himself getting his first dose at the Arts Council in Karachi and urged everyone to get their shot too in order to beat COVID-19.

    “Finally got the jab,” said Adnan. “It’s a huge relief. Honestly, I was a bit jittery in the beginning. Because of the needle, of course! No matter how young or old are you, this is one thing that petrifies you every time.”

    Sharing that he too like others was initially skeptical of the vaccine, Siddiqui said: “Yes, I also read those sporadic reports of after effects of the vaccine, which have made people wary. I had my share of doubts too.”

    The actor said that he decided to get the vaccine after consulting his friend, who is a doctor.

    “By Allah’s grace, I am feeling perfectly fine,” said Adnan urging everyone to get their shot.

    “The onus to combat the pandemic is on us. Those who are sceptical of whether to go ahead with the vaccine or not, as someone who’s got inoculated recently, my vote is with the vaccination,” asserted Siddiqui. He also advised everyone to “consult your personal doctor, specially those who are on medication or are immuno compromised” before getting the jab.

    While Adnan did not specify which vaccine he got, the hashtags he used indicate that he got China’s Sinopharm which is being administered through the government’s vaccination drive.

    Meanwhile, the vaccination drive in Pakistan is in full swing. Vaccinations of people 60 and above commenced on March 10, while those above 50 will start receiving their vaccine this week from April 21. The government has also planned to open registrations for COVID-19 vaccination for citizens of all age groups after Eid, which is around mid-May. According to details, Pakistan will be able to vaccinate more than 125,000 people per day after Eid.

    If you are eligible and have not yet registered for the vaccine send your CNIC number to 1166 to get registered asap.

  • Asim Azhar backs students, urges Shafqat Mahmood to cancel exams again

    Asim Azhar backs students, urges Shafqat Mahmood to cancel exams again

    After Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood announced that there will be no delay or cancellation of exams, Asim Azhar once again voiced his support for students, urging the minister to reconsider his decision in view of the ongoing third wave of COVID-19 across Pakistan.

    “A, AS, O Level and IGCSE exams will be held as per the date sheet announced by CAIES,” said Mahmood, asserting they will be no cancellation or delay in the exams.

    Mahmood added that Cambridge has assured that all SOPs will be strictly followed.

    Responding to the announcement, the singer said: “Who will be responsible if kids take COVID back to their homes just so they could appear in exams?”

    In another tweet, Azhar urged Mahmood to rethink his decision.

    “Abhi bhi waqt hai, bacho pe tars khaalain,” said Asim.

    Earlier, Twitter had raged with students advocating for the cancellation of board exams this year following the deadly third COVID-19 wave across the country.

    Students demanded to cancel board exams 2021 amidst their disturbed learning schedules. Several students were also demonstrating on the streets so that the government take proper notice of their demands.

    #ExamCancelHoga, #cancelboardexams2021 and #ShafqatMahmood were among the top trends on the micro-blogging site as social media users and students expressed their concern over the sharp rise in cases of COVID-19 and its effect on their studies.

    Asim and Hadiqa Kiani had also voiced their support for the students over exams cancellation.

  • Iffat Omar promises to get 10 people vaccinated

    Iffat Omar promises to get 10 people vaccinated

    Iffat Omar has promised to get 10 people vaccinated after jumping queue to get vaccinated herself at Federal Minister for Housing and Works Tariq Bashir Cheema’s residence in Lahore. The model-turned-actor also admitted her fault and apologised for her actions after receiving a barrage of criticism and backlash.

    Responding to a social media user, Omar said that not only will she forgo the second dose, but she will also get 10 people vaccinated.

    When the user told her why he was angry over her actions, Omar said: “I regret and [am] really ashamed but I will fix it.”

    “Please accept my forgiveness,” she added.

    The model further made her intentions clear by responding to other users and asserting that she will get 10 deserving people vaccinated against the virus.

    Omar had come in the line of fire after a video of hers receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at Cheema’s residence went viral on social media with netizens accusing her of jumping the queue to get vaccinated when more deserving citizens still have to wait. At the time, only those aged 60 and above could avail the free vaccine under the government drive, while those aged 50 could get registered for a shot and there was no commercially available vaccine against the coronavirus in Pakistan.

    The minister had initially denied accusations of jumping queue and claimed that a team from the University of Health Sciences (UHS) had arrived at his residence to administer a ‘booster shot’ of a ‘trial vaccine’.

    The minister said the same team had earlier administered the first dose of the trial vaccine to his family at their residence.

    Meanwhile, Omar at that time had told people to “take it easy”.

    In a now-deleted tweet, the model had said that she received a booster shot of the Chinese vaccine CanSino. However, Pakistani Twitterati had called her out on the claim, pointing out that CanSino was a single-dose vaccine and does not require a booster shot.

  • Pakistan to start vaccine drive for citizens 50 and above from March 30

    Pakistan to start vaccine drive for citizens 50 and above from March 30

    Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has announced that the vaccination  drive for citizens 50 and above will start from March 30.

    “Registration of those who are 50+ for COVID vaccination will be opened on March 30,” said Umar.

    “Registration of those who are 60 and older has already been open. Encourage everybody who is 50 plus to register when the registration is opened for them on the 30th,” added the minister.

    The government has also allowed walk-in vaccination for seniors aged 60 and above at different health centers.

    Read more – Here’s how you can register for COVID-19 vaccine in Pakistan

    Vaccination of people 60 and above commenced on March 10. Among those who received their shot is Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Dr Arif Alvi, Samina Peerzada, Bushra Ansari and Javed Sheikh. Citizens have also praised the government for the facility.

    Pakistan is currently battling with its third wave of COVID-19. According to the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), Pakistan has reported 4,368 cases and 63 deaths in the last 24 hours.

  • PM Imran Khan tests positive for COVID-19

    PM Imran Khan tests positive for COVID-19

    Prime Minister Imran Khan has tested positive for COVID-19.

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, Dr Faisal Sultan announced the news and said that the premier is self-isolating at home.

    Later, senior PTI leader Senator Faisal Javed Khan said that PM Khan is “experiencing mild symptoms” and “will continue to work from home over video calls”.

    PM Khan had received the first dose of his COVID-19 vaccine on March 18. Interacting with the media after receiving his shot, PM had urged everyone to get vaccinated for the virus. It is pertinent to add here that PM Imran is yet to receive the second dose of the vaccine, which will be administered to him after a month.

    The Ministry of National Health Services also clarified that PM Khan was “not fully vaccinated when he contracted the virus”.

    “He only got the first dose and merely two days ago which is too soon for any vaccine to become effective,” asserted the minister, adding: “Anti-bodies develop 2-3 weeks after the second dose of COVID vaccines.”

    Meanwhile, several PTI leaders including Sheikh Rasheed, Usman Buzdar and Hammad Azhar have wished the premier a swift recovery.

    Pakistan has reported 3,876 cases over the past 24 hours — the highest since July 2020.

    Wishing PM Imran Khan a swift recovery.

  • Asad Umar warns stricter lockdowns if SOPs not followed

    Minister for Planning and Development and National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) chairperson Asad Umar has said the country has witnessed a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, warning that if the standard operation procedures (SOPs) are not followed, the government will be forced to take stricter measures.

    “Sharp spike in COVID positivity,” wrote Umar in a tweet. “Hospital daily admissions and people in critical care rising fast.”

    “If SOP compliance does not improve, we will be forced to place stronger restrictions on activities,” warned the minister, adding: “The new strain spreads faster and is more deadly.”

    The NCOC also warned the same in a statment.

    “The NCOC was apprised on implementation of various health guidelines as already issued to all federating units. NCOC was apprised that implementation on those guidelines needs comprehensive review. NCOC showed serious concern on rising disease trend and mortality rate,” read the statement.

    “The forum was briefed that a sharply rising trend in disease is visible and positivity has crossed 7.5 percent. Almost all major cities have crossed 5% positivity,” it said further. “Provincial administrations have been asked to take immediate actions for strict implementation of SOPs.”

    The NCOC added that “serious concern was shown on general disregard of SOPs by masses. Mass violations of SOPs and disrespect of orders including not wearing of mask, disregard of social distancing are widely reported.”

    It appealed to the citizens “to display good example of social behavior and follow the SOPs in letter and spirit, otherwise, strict measures will have to be taken which may result into closure of business and restrictions on economic and social activities.”

    The NCOC further said that COVID vaccination centers across the country will remain closed on Sundays and national holidays.

    Read more – COVID-19: Here’s what you can and cannot do amid lockdown in Punjab

    Later, Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar also urged businesses and corporations to strictly implement COVID protocols to avoid inconvenience.

    According to the latest statistics, Pakistan has reported a total of 3,495 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. This is the highest number of daily cases recorded since 3,795 cases on December 6, 2020.

    A total of 61 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the national positivity rate has risen to 7.8 per cent as the country battles a third wave of the pandemic.

    Meanwhile, Umar on Wednesday also announced that over 41 thousand people were vaccinated the previous day marking the highest daily vaccination rate. Vaccinations for those aged 60 and above commenced on March 10.