ISLAMABAD: Government data released on Wednesday showed Pakistan had recorded 75 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest in over five months, as the nationwide tally of fatalities jumped to 8,166.
After a peak of over 6,800 daily infections in Pakistan in June, the number fell to a low of 213 in August, and remained below 700 for most of the last three months. But infections have picked up steadily this past month and officials have said the second wave of the disease has arrived.
According to government data, 2,244 people were critically ill due to the coronavirus as of Wednesday and the number of active cases had risen to 49,780, with total infections crossing 400,000.
To stem the spread of the second wave of the coronavirus, authorities have imposed “smart lockdowns” in several parts of the country though Prime Minister Imran Khan has repeatedly ruled out a complete lockdown, saying Pakistanis would have to ‘learn to live with’ the virus and take extra precautions.
On Tuesday, the Islamabad administration said it had imposed a ban on indoor dining in restaurants and hotels.
“Indoor dining has been restricted in Islamabad,” Deputy commissioner Islamabad tweeted on Tuesday night. “Only take aways and dining outside in open area is allowed.”
Indoor dining has been restricted in Islamabad. Only take aways and dining outside in open area is allowed. All Assistant Commissioners / Sub Divisional Magistrates are in field ensuring the orders issued under Epidemic Diseases Act in order to prevent further covid infection
— Deputy Commissioner Islamabad (@dcislamabad) December 1, 2020
Khan’s government has also recently made wearing face masks mandatory in public spaces, banned public rallies, limited large public gatherings to 300 people, banned indoor weddings, closed shrines, cinemas, and theaters, and instructed public and private offices to adopt a work-from-home policy.
The federal government has also closed all educational institutes from November 26 to January 10 and postponed all examinations except admissions and recruitment tests.