ISLAMABAD: The number of COVID-19 patients has witnessed a sharp increase in Pakistan, as the official tally on Thursday stood at 1,102 with eight fatalities.

In view of the mounting cases of the viral infection, the government has taken strict measures to deal with the crisis and bring down the rapidly rising number of confirmed cases.

On Thursday, authorities sealed more areas in Bhara Kahu, a densely populated locality on the outskirts of the federal capital, and deployed more security personal on its entry and exit points after a group of people tested positive for coronavirus in the neighborhood.

Authorities also sealed a nearby locality, Shahzad Town, deputy commissioner of Islamabad, Hamza Shafqaat, said in a tweet.

“On the advice of Public Health experts disinfection starts in Islamabad. We have started from PIMS then Bara Kahu then Sabzi Mandi and then will target all high density areas today and will continue. The procedure apparently doesn’t look that sophisticated but it is effective,” he added.

In the wake of the declaration of coronavirus as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan government declared a national health emergency of public concern on 13 March 2020.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) advised the electronic media to curtail fear syndrome among the masses while covering the virus-related news.

PEMRA urged TV channels to promote optimism among the public to help its members fight the catastrophe with perseverance and discipline.