LAHORE: With 25 more deaths, 727 new coronavirus cases were reported in Punjab during the last 24 hours, according to the provincial health authorities.

Of the new cases, 279 were reported in Lahore, 81 in Sargodha, 47 in Rawalpindi, 43 each in Faisalabad and Multan and 31 in Bahawalpur.

Other positive cases appeared in Attock, Chakwal, Jhang, Sheikhu-pura, Lodhran, Bahawal-nagar, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Gujrat, Khushab, Okara, Rajanpur, Pakpattan, Toba Tek Singh, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakar, Vehari, Rahim Yar Khan, Chinot, etc.

Of the latest deaths, eight each occurred in Lahore and Multan, seven in Sargodha, while others were reported in Faisalabad.

The virus’ death toll in Punjab reached 3,066, while the number of confirmed cases is 120,356 so far.

Doctor among victims

The official figures showed that most of the deaths and new infections have been reported in Lahore.

Sargodha district, which had 10th position in Punjab is now 9th on the official list because of the massive virus transmission during the last two weeks or so.

The other eight districts reporting a high number of new cases and deaths in Punjab include Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Gujran-wala, Gujrat, Bahawalpur and Sialkot.

The Punjab government conducted a total of 17,173 Covid-19 tests during the last 24 hours.

MUZAFFARGARH: A young medical officer of the district headquarters hospital died of Covid-19 on Thursday.

DHQ Hospital MO Dr Shahid Afzal (29) was admitted with virus infection to the facility where he worked a few days ago. He succumbed to the virus on Thursday.

The Pakistan Medical Association local chapter appreciated the services of the deceased doctor who died in harness.

Because of high influx of Covid patients, the DHQ and Indus hospitals were almost full to their capacity amid large-scale violations of the SOPs in city areas, especially markets and government offices.

The deputy commissioner who had quarantined in his official residence after testing positive had recovered but was still working form the camp office.

DG KHAN: Four private schools were closed for flouting government orders of closure of all educational institutes to check the spread of Covid-19.

The police have also registered cases against the principals of these schools operating in DG Khan teshsil and Kot Chhuta in the district on the orders of assistant commissioners concerned.

TOBA: The health authorities imposed smart lockdown on some areas of Kamalia city on Thursday.

A press release said the Shah Husainwala, Charhwala and Islampura neighbourhoods would remain under smart lockdown because of Covid-19 cases reported in the areas.

Meanwhile, the National Bank’s main branch has also been closed after two of the officials tested positive for the virus.

Manager Imran Majeed said results of Corona test of 32 other staffers were awaited. The DHQ hospital’s operation theatres have also been closed after some doctors and paramedics tested positive.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2020