Pakistan Friday reported a record 2,801 cases and 57 deaths as the total cases of Covid-19 crossed 64,000, according to Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SPAM) on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza.
Addressing a press conference at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), he urged the people to follow set guidelines against coronavirus, and added that the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths could increase in the country in coming days.
Mirza said that due to the information system, the government would be able to know the occupancy of beds and ventilators, and their availability at the intensive care units and allocated wards of hospitals.
Mirza said during the last 24 hours, 57 corona patients lost their lives, which was ever highest figure of deaths in the country due to COVID-19, and national death tally from Covid19 has reached 1,317.
He said that some 157 patients were on ventilators.
He said so far 64,000 confirmed cases were reported throughout the country, while during last 24 hours 2,801 new cases were reported.
He added that 35 percent patients had recovered completely, while over 520,000 corona tests had been conducted so far. He said new corona positive cases were increasing and there were threats of spread of the disease. He asked the citizens to continue implementing protective measures as per directions to stem the increase in the coronavirus cases.
He said with the help of the system, the authorities concerned could easily manage the situation in hospitals to properly treat the corona patients.
Moreover, the shortage of any necessary equipment could also be addressed. Dr Mirza said although the number of patients on ventilators was increasing but still the ratio of ventilator usage was 20 percent, which meant still enough quantity of ventilators and beds were available in hospitals for the Covid-19 patients.
He said the government was committed to ensure availability of medical services and provision of the best possible medical treatment for the corona patients at hospitals.
Mirza said that the government had developed health information system with having update on the status of available facilities at public sector hospitals for the Covid-19 patients.
He said the NCOC was closely monitoring the situation and would adopt strategy accordingly in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
Mirza said people could not grasp the situation regarding lockdown, saying that a fresh instruction guide had been issued for the people who die of coronavirus.
The special assistant said there had been no evidence so far of transmission of coronavirus from dead body, adding persons handling the dead body should adopt all precautionary measures, including use of personal protective equipment.
Mirza said testing during Eid holidays was slow, but was again gaining momentum. He said 35 percent people have totally recovered from the disease.
He said the government had made some amendments in the guidelines of safe burial of dead COVID-19 patients for the safety of all those who attend the funeral ceremony or handle the bodies of individuals suspected or confirmed for Covid-19.
He said till date there was no scientific evidence of transmission of virus through the dead body of COVID-19 deceased case, yet it was vital to ensure precautionary measures while handling the bodies of suspected or confirmed cases. He said adopting guidelines would help prevent any possible transmission. There was no restriction on immediate family members to attend the funeral rituals.
He said anyone attending the body must use appropriate PPE including gown, gloves, and masks etc. He advised to use face shield and goggles, if there were a potential risk of body fluid splashes.
He said the body should be cleaned and dried, and it could also be covered with a white cloth, as per the religious practice, for the burial. The healthcare workers, family members or mortuary staff, preparing the body for burial, should follow the standard precautions of wearing appropriate PPE.
He said the family and friends might view the body but should not be allowed to touch or kiss it. They should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently. The burial rituals, including burial gathering and prayers should have minimal possible numbers such as only immediate family and relatives.
All in attendance should observe standard precautions such as social distancing, face masks and frequent hand washing.