LAHORE: While the second wave of Covid-19 is intensifying, Punjab has reported 407 daily cases for the first time since July, and 12 deaths during the last 24 hours taking the provincial tally of cases to 107,329 and death toll to 2420.

The Punjab province last reported more than 400 cases on July 18 when it confirmed 442 infections. During the last 24 hours, with recovery of 13 more people, the number of recovered patients has reached 97,651. As many as 9130 tests were conducted during the last 24 hours.

The provincial capital has been witnessing over 100 coronavirus cases daily since Oct 24, prompting the Punjab government to impose 'micro smart lockdown' on 10 localities. Lahore is amongst 36 districts where [fresh] positive cases of the virus and deaths have been surfacing since pandemic of the disease in Punjab in March.

Keeping in view sensitivity of the matter, the Punjab government has enforced 'micro smart lockdown' in more areas of Lahore.

The lockdown was clamped in New Muslim Town, Raza, Sikandar, Umar blocks of Iqbal Town, Garden Town, Cavalary Ground, DHA Phase 1 (AA Block), DHA Phase 6 L Sector, A Sector, Askari 11, Anarkali, Mozang, Shadman, Allama Iqbal Town and some streets of Gulshan-i-Ravi.

Several localities in Rawalpindi and Multan have been declared as coronavirus hotspots and put under lockdown with immediate effect, according to notifications from the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department.

There has been a "constant increase in positive percentage and prevalence of Covid-19 in the province of Punjab during the last two weeks which poses a serious and imminent threat to public health," adding that all possible measures needed to be taken to control the spread of the virus.

In Rawalpindi, the areas of Fauji Foundation University, New Lalazar, Kahuta, Satellite Town and Abbasi Abad are under lockdown. In Multan, the areas of Naqshband Colony, Gulgasht Colony/ Khairabad, Mepco Colony; Khwajabad/ Multan Katcheri and Sadat Colony are under lockdown.

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar said in a statement that the number of active patients has reached 7258. He said the government is seriously working to overcome the second wave of corona.

The elimination of this virus is not possible without public support as the number of patients is increased due to carelessness and non-observance of SOPs. The citizens should follow the SOPs to secure lives, the CM added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020