ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday recorded 1,979 new cases of the coronavirus, following 21,020 countrywide tests in the last 24 hours, marking the lowest number of new infections in weeks.

According to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 portal, as of Tuesday, the national caseload stood at 253,604 while 5,197 people had died from the disease.

Pakistan has also seen an uptick in recoveries, with 170,656 cases recorded thus far.

The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the highest forum that looks after coronavirus mitigation efforts, said on Monday it would follow the same safety rules for the upcoming Eidul Azha prayers as had been devised for Eid ul Fitr prayers in May. 

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said proper management of cattle markets was important to prevent the spread of coronavirus during Eid ul Azha and the days leading up to it

These cattle markets will be set up outside cities, he said, and the local administration had been asked to ensure compliance with all guidelines, including that cattle markets run from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, all people entering them wear masks and be screened, maintain social distancing and avoid overcrowding.