Sindh reports 16 more deaths, 731 COVID-19 cases

KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has confirmed that the COVID-19 claimed 16 more lives in the province during the past 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 234.

According to a statement, CM Shah said that 4,223 tests were conducted yesterday, out of which 731 came positive. He said a total of 103,340 tests have conducted so far out of which 13,341 are positive, he added.

The chief minister said that currently, 10,272 patients are under treatment for the COVID19, adding that 919 are in isolation centres, while 513 are at hospitals.

He said, “The good news is that 606 patients have returned home after making a recovery.” CM added that so far 2,835 patients have recovered from the disease.

Murad Ali Shah said a total of 585 new COVID-19 cases reported in the metropolis during the last 24 hours. Presenting a breakdown of the cases in Karachi, he said that 140 cases were reported in the East district, 127 in South and 116 in Malir.

The central district reported 85 new cases while West and Korangi have 60 and 57 new infections, respectively, CM added. In Sindh, CM Shah said that Larkana has 24 new cases, Hyderabad 22, and Ghotki has 14 new infections of the virus.

He said that among the deceased, 76% are men while 24% are females, while 22.5% of the patients are above the age of 81.

Murad Ali Shah said those in the age range of 51 to 60 years made 4.6% of the total deaths, while those from 61 to 70 constituted 8.5% of the toll.

He said the markets were allowed to open under SOPs, adding that most of the shops and markets were crowded.

He said that many markets which are famous for Eid sale especially in the Saddar area were very crowded and there was a procession situation which is deplorable.

Murad Ali Shah said that if the social distance and SOPs are not met by the trader, then the markets where SOPs are being violated would be sealed.

CM stressed that the government can only control the pandemic through cooperation by the people. He advised to maintain social distancing and not unnecessarily visit markets.