Pakistan has recorded 54 more deaths related to the novel coronavirus in past 24 hours, taking the national death toll to 11,157.

According to National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) statistics the COVID-19 has claimed 54 more lives and 2,363 fresh infections were reported.

In a single day, as many as 2,179 patients have recovered from the virus in a day and 2,324 patients are still in critical condition including 27 new cases.

Whereas the total count of active cases is 35,293.

NCOC detailed that with fresh inclusion of the infections in the country the national tally of cases now currently stands at 527,146.

A total of 43,744 tests were conducted across the country during this period. Overall 480,696 people have recovered from the deadly disease so far while 7,525,432 samples have been tested thus far.

On Wednesday, while addressing a press conference, State Health Minister Dr Faisal Sultan said Pakistan is in advanced level talks with two manufacturers to procure the COVID-19 vaccine.

He said that the two companies were Sinopharm and CanSino. Dr Faisal said that Sinopharm is being used in several countries, and its efficacy is around 80-85%. Meanwhile, CanSino’s Phase-III trails are being conducted in Pakistan, and they are expected to conclude soon, the special assistant said, noting that the results of the vaccine would be available shortly.

As many as 17,500 took part in the vaccine trials. The trials in three out of five centres have concluded, while they are near completion in two centres, Dr Sultan said.

Moreover, through the World Health Organisation’s COVAX Facility, Pakistan is expected to get free vaccines for 20% of the country’s population.