ISLAMABAD: Three people died of Covid-19 and over 600 more contracted the virus in the twin cities on Sunday as the situation started to worsen in hospitals.

Islamabad recorded 461 positive cases whereas Rawalpindi reported 142 new patients, the highest number in the garrison city since June.

Some areas such as Bhara Kahu, I-8, G-7, G-9, G-6, E-11 and G-11 are becoming hotspots.

Out of the new 461 cases in the capital, 201 were women. On Saturday, 411 people had been found infected in the city.

Official data showed that 29 people contracted the virus in Bhara Kahu, 28 in I-8, 26 each in G-9, G-7 and G-6, 19 in E-11, 17 in G-11, 16 each in Tarlai and Chak Shahzad, 15 in DHA, 14 each in G-13 and G-8, 13 each in Taramri, F-11 and Bahria Town.

Three die in twin cities; Rawalpindi reports highest number of cases since June

There are currently 3,338 active cases in the capital which is 12pc of the total 23,994 cases.

Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) Joint Executive Director Dr Minhajus Siraj told Dawn that the hospital was providing all possible treatment to the Covid-19 patients. He said with the passage of time the number of patients was increasing in the hospital.

“We are ensuring that oxygen cylinders, supply of medicines and other equipment are available to deal with any untoward situation,” he said.

Ministry of National Health Services spokesperson Sajid Shah also said all possible steps, including restrictions and smart lockdowns, were being enforced to control the virus.

“We appeal to the citizens not to take the situation lightly and strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Covid-19. Masks are the best vaccine against the virus as it reduces chances of being infected. People should also avoid social gathering, hand shaking and visiting crowded palaces,” he said.

Mr Shah said those who have symptoms of the disease should get them themselves tested and isolate without waiting for the result.

“The positive patients should remain in isolation for 14 days rather than going for the second test,” he said.

Rawalpindi

As many as 142 people were diagnosed with Covid-19 on Sunday which is the highest number of cases reported in the city since June. One person passed away from the disease whereas 67 people were discharged from hospitals after recovery.

A 58-year-old male patient, resident of Dhoke Dakhuko, Gujar Khan, was brought to Holy Family Hospital (HFH) on Nov 14 where he died on Sunday morning.

During the last eight months, 8,580 people tested positive for the disease in the district out of whom 350 people lost their lives while 7,492 others recovered and were discharged from different hospitals, including Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi Institute of Urology and the District Headquarters Hospital.

At the moment, 738 confirmed patients are under treatment, 79 of them at the HFH; of whom 50 belong to Rawalpindi district and 29 are from outside. Besides, 612 people are waiting for their test results. Out of the 67 patients who were discharged, 55 were from Rawalpindi district and 12 from outside.

Around 659 patients chose to quarantine at home after getting their test results from private laboratories. However, health officials conducted visits in some areas and monitored their condition.

Commissioner retired Capt Mohammad Mehmood told Dawn that there is a need to adopt safety measures and wear face masks whilst maintaining social distancing in public places.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2020