ISLAMABAD: The number of coronavirus cases continues to grow in Pakistan, the federal pandemic response agency said on Thursday, as the nation celebrated the second day of Eid Al-Adha amid concerns over the spread of the highly infectious delta variant of the virus.
As Eid Al-Adha, the second most important holiday of Islam is typically marked by large social gatherings, but for a second year many Muslim countries imposed restrictions to prevent people from congregating as they battle the delta variant outbreak.
The Pakistani government did not introduce srict lockdowns ahead of Eid this year, despite a recent rise in coronavirus figures and warnings of a loomig fourth wave of infection.
The test positivity rate in Pakistan has increased to 6.3 percent — by over 1 percent in the past 24 hours — the highest since May, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said. The daily death toll rose to 40, while 2,158 cases were recorded.
Statistics 22 Jul 21:
Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 34,216
Positive Cases: 2158
Positivity % : 6.30%
Deaths : 40— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) July 22, 2021
While Eid celebrations across Pakistan will run through Friday, the government has requested the nation to follow health guidelines and observe social distancing.
President Arif Alvi urged the people in his Eid Al-Adha message to “continue raising their guard against the fourth wave of coronavirus by strictly observing all standard operating procedures to contain its further spread.”
Crowds, however, were seen at Pakistani mosques during special prayers on Wednesday, the first day of Eid.
Following Eid prayers, Muslims performed the ritual of sacrificing animals, spending time feasting with relatives and distributing sacrificial meat among family members, friends and the poor.