COVID-19: Pakistan death toll nears 12,900 with 581,365 cases

Pakistan has recorded 36 deaths due to the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours taking the national death toll to 12,896.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) 1,392 fresh infections were reported in a single day taking that total number of confirmed cases to 581,365.

In the past 24 hours, as many as 1,094 patients have recovered from the virus in a day and 1,568 patients are still in critical condition.

A total of 38,338 tests were conducted across the country during this period. Overall 546,371 people have recovered from the deadly disease so far while 8,990,176 samples have been tested thus far.

The national health services ministry on Sunday confirmed the detection of SARS COV-2 (VUI-202012/01) variant of the novel coronavirus, commonly referred to as the “UK strain”, in the country, but stressed that it was monitoring the situation through a robust surveillance system.

The confirmation from the ministry includes the country in a bracket of 92 nations, where the UK strain has been detected.

“The VUI-202012/01 strain is now being seen across the world and continues to be detected in samples in Pakistan,” the ministry said.

“While this strain does not cause more severe disease, there is evidence that its transmission is faster,” the ministry added.

“This highlights the need to continue following prescribed SOPs and guidelines issued by the government and to get vaccinated when your turn comes.”