Skip to main content

Coronavirus Update: Infection rate rises again

By Mukhtar Alam
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Sindh’s rate of daily COVID-19 infections was again on the rise as the health authorities confirmed 2,430 new cases on July 2, with 31 related deaths, compared 2,139 new infections and 29 deaths registered on July 1.

Overall, the provincial tally of infections soared to 89,225, with a total 1,437 deaths on July 12. During a period from June 26 to July 2, Sindh generated an average 2,008 cases of coronavirus infections and 37 deaths daily. 

Keen observers attributed the rise in the infection rate to increased testing of suspected samples but expressed concerns over the deaths, saying both the hospitals and the provincial health hierarchy should take the issue as a challenge. “Four months were enough to understand the dynamics of the lethal virus.” 

In the meantime, according to an official study, the number of samples taken for COVID-19 test was 4,072 on June 19, which gradually dropped to 1,890 on June 28. In view of the poor sampling and testing, as per an official source, the director general of the Sindh health services had asked 24 district health officers, including three of Karachi districts, on June 28 to explain their position for showing disappointing performance on their part. 

There were a few districts which showed zero number of sample collection, the source revealed.

In a letter to Sindh health secretary on June 28, the provincial health director general had submitted names of nine district health officers of grade 19s and 20s, saying he was under directions to request initiation of disciplinary proceedings against them. 

According to the daily COVID-19 summary issued by the Sindh health department on July 2 evening, Karachi districts collectively registered 1,700 new cases during the last 24 hours, followed by Hyderabad (89), Dadu 58), Ghotki (55), Thatta (51), Benazirabad (48), Tando Allahyar (47), Larkana (47), Naushero Feroze (41), Tando Mohammad Khan (37), Sukkur (37), Khairpur (37), Shikarpur (35), Sujawal (30), Matiari (21), Badin (18), Jacobabad (16), Jamshoro (19), Sanghar (15), Umerkot (13), Mirpurkhas (11), Tharparkar (2), Kambar Shahdadkot (1) and Kashmore (1).

Of the 31 COVID-19 deaths that occurred in Sindh during the last 24 hours ending at 9 am July 2, as many as 29 were reported from Karachi, including 20 men and 9 women. The deceased men were aged 35 to 94 years while women were in the age brackets of 55 to 75. In addition, a woman of 65 lost her life at Hyderabad, while a man, aged 77, died at Dadu.

As per the official report, 49,926 patients have recovered from the disease so far, while number of samples taken so far for COVID tests stood at 471,023.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

KDSP: Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome in Karachi

The Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP), a beacon of hope and support, is making significant strides in empowering individuals with Down syndrome in the city. Founded in March 2014 by a group of passionate parents and individuals, KDSP addresses the critical need for comprehensive resources and platforms for those with Down syndrome in Karachi. Bridging the Gap: A Mission of Advocacy and Inclusion KDSP operates as a non-profit organization with a clear mission: to advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome. Recognizing the limited support and resources available locally, KDSP was established to provide a nurturing environment where individuals with Down syndrome can lead independent and fulfilling lives. A Lifelong Journey of Support Understanding the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, KDSP offers unwavering support from the moment a family receives a diagnosis.  They embark on a journey with each family, pro...

China’s maize-soybean technology brings bumper harvest in Punjab

By Masood Sattar Khan (Pakistan News & Features Services) The harvest of maize-soybean strip inter-cropping demonstration in Bahawalpur, Punjab, was completed on July 6. The yields of soybean and maize reached 1,304 kg/ha and 8,596 kg/ha respectively, which exhibited satisfactory results. This was indeed encouraging news for local farmers who desired growing soybean without curbing the cultivation of maize, the Gwadar Pro, a Chinese website, reported July 7.  Maize harvest in this inter-cropping field outdistanced the country’s average maize yield which was only around 5,000 kg per hectare. Meanwhile, the farmers received considerable soybeans as an additional return.  As the selling price of soybean was two to three times that of maize, when comparing the two crops as a whole, the overall economic benefit had been significantly improved.  “If you calculate the total benefits, maize-soybean inter-cropping will be the best system in terms of i...

China’s top advisory body meets

By Masood Sattar Khan (Pakistan News & Features Services) The third annual session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) opened on May 21, after being delayed for more than two months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Much is expected of this year's session of China's top political advisers as the country's goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects is expected to be realized by the end of this year, which is also the final year of the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).  The CPPCC National Committee gathers the country's smartest minds from different walks of life.  Their ideas have contributed a great deal to what this country has achieved in its endeavors in poverty alleviation, in making progress in all fields for the realization of the goal of building China into a moderately prosperous country in all aspects. And so have their inputs into the fight against the novel co...