The fatality rate of the novel coronavirus has increased to 1.7 per cent, SAPM on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said in a press briefing. The global fatality rate of the virus is 6.1pc.

He added that 17,332 people have registered in quarantine centres in Pakistan out of which 18pc have tested positive.

"What happens over the course of the next few days depends on how we fulfill our responsibilities and whether we follow preventive measures or not," he said.