ISLAMABAD: Active coronavirus cases dropped to 8,803 in Pakistan on Thursday, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the apex body that oversees COVID-19 efforts in Pakistan, said in a statement.
The country recorded 445 new infections and six deaths in the past 24 hours, the Center said, with 294,638 total infections and 6,274 deaths. Recoveries have reached 279,561 at a rate of 94.9 percent and the country has so far conducted over 2.5 million tests.
Pakistan removed nearly all of its coronavirus-related lockdowns from August 10 as cases dropped considerably in recent weeks but the government and health experts are warning people to follow official guidelines to curb new outbreaks.
On Thursday, NCOC also discussed the proposed opening of educational institutions across Pakistan in mid September.
“Participants were informed about risk and challenges involved after opening of educational institutions as it involved children of all ages,” the NCOC statement said.
“Educational institutions be opened on top to bottom approach (university, college, high schools etc.) on rotation basis,” the statement said, adding: “Timings of various institutions be staggered with suspending various activities which involve contraction and mass gatherings including co — curricular activities.”
A day earlier, on Wednesday, the NCOC stressed compliance of standard operating procedures and health guidelines at tourism destinations, and encouraged random sentinel testing at public places.
