Coronavirus: PMA warns of foreseeable second wave in Pakistan

Amidst increasing positive Coronavirus cases in Pakistan, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has warned the authorities and the general public about the second wave of the deadly virus, which is likely to start from educational institutions as it happened in US, India and Iran.

“Unfortunately, the government’s response so far is limited to the issuance of notifications of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), whose implementation is non-existent anywhere including schools,” said the PMA office-bearers during a press conference.

They said that the winter has arrived and schools have opened, and any carelessness on part of the government and the public might trigger a second spike of coronavirus in the country.

“However, the situation on the ground is entirely opposite as no precautions were being observed in schools, which were opened in congested buildings,” they regretted.

They said PMA was concerned about the situation that might lead to a second spike of coronavirus and demanded of the government to ensure implementation of SOPs.

“We appeal to the people to adhere to the SOPs and observe caution, limit movement and take precautions to save themselves and their loved ones from Covid-19 pandemic, which may prove to be even more fatal,” they added.

More cases reported; death toll surges to 6,580

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), some 26, 951 samples were tested, out of which 385 turned out to be positive. Ten coronavirus patients died during the last 24 hours.

The death toll from the disease has reached to 6,580. Around 304,185 people have recovered from the disease so far with over 90% recovery ratio of the affected patients.

There are 8,552 active cases of Covid-19 in the country. Of the total patients, 491 are said to be in critical condition. A total of 38,847,96 tests have been conducted so far.

On Sunday, in a tweet, Asad Umar said that during previous six weeks, the average positivity ratio of COVID was under 2%, however, in the outgoing week, the positivity rate went above 2% that was a matter of concern.

6 ہفتے اوسط قومی سطح پر پوزیٹیویٹی 2٪ سے کم رہنے کے بعد پچھلے ہفتے 2٪ سے زیادہ رہی. کراچی، اسلام آباد، آزاد کشمیر میں منی سمارٹ لوک ڈاؤن دوبارہ نافذ. ملک بھر میں انتظامیہ کو حفاظتی اقدامات یقینی بنانے کی ہدایت کی گئی ہے. لیکن کامیابی پہلے کی طرح عوام کے تعاون کے بغیر ناممکن ہے

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) October 11, 2020

In order to avoid the increase in COVID-19 cases, the minister said, the authorities have already imposed mini smart lockdown in Islamabad, Karachi, and Azad Kashmir.

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