LAHORE: The coronavirus infection cases have begun reducing in Punjab and in the high prevalence Lahore and Rawalpindi districts primarily due to strict implementation of smart lockdown and SOPs.

The Punjab health department recorded 901 new coronavirus infection cases and 29 deaths in the province during the last 24 hours.

Of 901 new cases across the province, 314 have been reported from Lahore, 83 from Multan, 68 from Rawalpindi, 51 from Faisalabad, 50 from Bahawalpur and 47 from Layyah. Of 29 deaths, six have been reported from Lahore.

The total number of Covid-positive cases in Punjab has reached 333,958. The tally of total deaths in Punjab has reached 9,768 including 3,994 in Lahore alone. The test-to-positivity ratio average in Punjab stands at 16 per cent.

901 test positive; 29 succumb to virus

As per latest figures, in Rajanpur district positivity ratio has been recorded at 30 per cent, 23pc each in Layyah and Okara 23, 20pc in Pakpattan, 19pc in Sahiwal, 17pc each in Muzaffargarh and Vehari, 15pc each in Khanewal and Chakwal, 11pc each in Gujrat and Nankana Sahib, 10pc each in Khushab and Rahm Yar Khan and 9pc in Lodhran.

Of 2,922 reserved beds for coronavirus in Punjab, 502 beds are occupied by patients for treatment. In DHQs and THQs, eight ventilators were occupied out of 111 reserved for Covid-19 patients. In Multan’s areas, 736 people had been placed under smart lockdown.

Of total 901 new Covid cases reported in Punjab, as many as 314 have been reported from Lahore, 83 from Multan, 68 from Rawalpindi, 51 from Faisalabad, 50 from Bahawalpur and 47 from Layyah.

The Punjab primary and secondary healthcare department spokesman says the department conducted 28,973 coronavirus tests during the last 24 hours taking the total number of tests conducted to 4.96 million. As many as 300,439 coronavirus patients had recovered in the province.

The spokesman said people should ensure protective measures to save themselves from the coronavirus infection. In case there were some symptoms, the spokesman said such persons should immediately contact 1033.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2021