COVID-19 positivity ratio higher than 3% as country reports 908 cases

The nationwide coronavirus tally has increased to 331,108 after the country reported 908 new cases in the last 24 hours.

According to the government's coronavirus portal, 29,449 people were tested for coronavirus across the country. There are 624 active cases out of which 13 are critical. The country also lost 16 people to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours taking the tally to 6,775.

The country also reported 824 recoveries, taking the tally to 312,638.

In a tweet today, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar said that after more than 70 days the national coronavirus positivity ratio was higher than 3% on Wednesday. He said although the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) has issued new guidelines and tightened restrictions, the spread of the virus can only be controlled if people believe in the need for precautions

On Wednesday, the NCOC made it compulsory for all to wear a face mask when stepping out of their homes. It also made it compulsory for all shops, markets, and restaurants in 11 major cities, including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, to shut down by 10pm.

Following this, the Islamabad district magistrate imposed Section 144 in the city for two months. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat warned that anyone not wearing a mask in public could be arrested by police.