In pictures: No cheers amid virus fears at fanless Tokyo Games All around the Games, empty seats have provided a reminder that these Olympics have been staged against the will of many in Japan. Updated 25 Jul, 2021 07:02pm
Editorial: Pakistan is lucky not to have plunged into an all-out disaster yet, but Delta variant can take us there
Explainer: How to get your Covid vaccination certificate and what to do in case of a mistake Dawn.com
Senior doctor dies of Covid-19; PMA urges medics to get vaccinated PMA data shows 238 doctors have so far died of coronavirus in the country. Dawn Report Updated 25 Jul, 2021 10:51am
Lockdown imposed in Gwadar, Kech districts All shops, hotels and restaurants will remain closed for next 15 days with the exception of some shops having essential items. Saleem Shahid Updated 25 Jul, 2021 08:57am
Clashes in Australia as thousands hold rally against lockdown “What we saw today in Sydney is unfortunately something that we’ve seen in cities that we all shake our head at,” says official. AFP Updated 25 Jul, 2021 07:51am
Unvaccinated people banned from domestic air travel People travelling from Pakistan to abroad or from abroad to Pakistan are exempted from restriction: NCOC. Ikram Junaidi Published 25 Jul, 2021 07:02am
Emirates extends suspension of flights from Pakistan to UAE till July 28 Passengers who connected through 4 countries, including Pakistan, in last 14 days not permitted to travel from any point to UAE. Dawn.com Published 24 Jul, 2021 01:42pm
Coronavirus Delta variant spreading in GB, says CM No lockdown will be imposed in any part of the region, he says. A Correspondent Updated 24 Jul, 2021 08:52am
Sindh to tighten SOPs from Monday due to uptick in Covid-19 cases Indoor and outdoor dining banned; shopping malls and markets allowed to remain open between 6am and 6pm. Imtiaz Ali Updated 23 Jul, 2021 09:26pm
In pictures: Masks and distanced prayers as Muslims in Pakistan and world over celebrate Eidul Azha It was celebrated for a second time under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic and with restrictions in place. Dawn.com Published 21 Jul, 2021 05:08pm
Smart cards and robots: Saudi Arabia's 'digital Haj' The digital system allows authorities to guide thousands of pilgrims who attend Haj, which has seen deadly accidents in the past. AFP Updated 21 Jul, 2021 05:25pm
KP CM asks lawmakers to strictly observe Covid SOPs on Eid Fears further spread of the virus on the festive occasion. Bureau Report Updated 21 Jul, 2021 11:00am
Corona Experts Advisory Group allows Pfizer vaccine for kids undergoing complex surgeries The Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute head had sought permission to vaccinate children under 18. The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Updated 21 Jul, 2021 10:40am
Survey says 42pc people in Sindh suffering from depression due to Covid Overall prevalence of self-reported anxiety was 85pc while 25pc of the respondents admitted that they had had suicidal thoughts. Ghulam Hussain Khawaja Updated 22 Jul, 2021 10:21am
Private sector taking tough steps to push workers for Covid-19 jabs in Sindh Law experts unclear about govt’s legal cover to force people to get vaccinated. Imran Ayub Updated 21 Jul, 2021 10:51am
Active cases of Covid near 50,000 again The NCOC has decided to send 500 oxygen cylinders and 30 ventilators to Gilgit-Baltistan as cases are rapidly increasing. Ikram Junaidi Updated 21 Jul, 2021 07:48am
'God have mercy on us': Hospitals in Karachi reaching capacity as Delta variant spreads "Govt hospitals have reached saturation point, something not witnessed during previous waves," says PMA secretary general. Reuters | Dawn.com Updated 20 Jul, 2021 07:11pm
British PM Johnson dismissed Covid lockdown 'because people dying were all over 80', ex-aide says Cummings also claimed that Johnson wanted to meet Queen Elizabeth despite signs that the virus was spreading in his office. Reuters Published 20 Jul, 2021 05:57pm
Lockdowns, Covid curbs dampen celebrations as some countries mark Eidul Azha This year, Eid comes as many countries battle the Delta variant, prompting some to impose new restrictions. AP Updated 21 Jul, 2021 04:48pm
India's Covid deaths 10 times higher than reported: study The report suggests that between 3.4m and 4.7m people died from the virus in India from the start of the pandemic to June 2021. AFP Published 20 Jul, 2021 01:13pm
In pictures: Pilgrims mark second Haj overshadowed by Covid-19 Just 60,000 people, all citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia, were selected to take part in this year's Haj. AFP | AP Published 20 Jul, 2021 01:03pm
Fourth Covid case in Olympic Village as sponsor rules out TV commercials A Czech beach volleyball player is the fourth case and the third infected athlete in the Village. Agencies Updated 20 Jul, 2021 11:18am
England hails ‘freedom day’, but virus ramps up in Asia In Britain, daily infections have climbed, averaging more than 50,000 since last week. AFP Updated 20 Jul, 2021 10:19am
Sindh mulls restrictions after sharp rise in cases Covid positivity rate in Karachi rises to 23.12pc, nearly five times higher than the national positivity rate of 4.95pc. Ikram Junaidi | Imran Ayub Updated 20 Jul, 2021 08:05am
Two Mansehra schools sealed over Covid cases Tehsil municipal administration staff have started disinfecting both the buildings and their surroundings. The Newspaper's Correspondent Updated 20 Jul, 2021 11:05am
Health crisis looms large over Karachi as Delta variant spreads Covid-19 units at many hospitals have been almost full to capacity. Faiza Ilyas Updated 20 Jul, 2021 10:36am
SECP asks companies to get employees vaccinated by Aug 31 Warns of regulatory action if order not complied with. Kalbe Ali Updated 20 Jul, 2021 11:19am
Covid-19 situation in Karachi has become 'dangerous and alarming', says Wahab Karachi's positivity rate recorded at 23.12pc in the past day; adviser urges people to follow SOPs and get vaccinated. Dawn.com Updated 20 Jul, 2021 07:13am
Masked Haj pilgrims on Mount Arafat pray for Covid-free world "It is an indescribable feeling that I got selected among millions of people to attend the Haj," a pilgrim says. Reuters Published 19 Jul, 2021 03:56pm
Guidelines issued to save medics from Delta variant of Covid in KP One dies and 158 more get infected in the province. Ashfaq Yusufzai Updated 19 Jul, 2021 11:34am
South African cases spark cluster scare in Olympic Village Two South African footballers have become the first athletes inside the Olympic Village to test positive for Covid-19. Agencies Updated 19 Jul, 2021 12:08pm
UK govt in Covid confusion ahead of ‘freedom day’ The govt insists that with two-thirds of adult population now fully vaccinated, the risk can be managed despite rising infections. AFP Updated 19 Jul, 2021 10:47am
SOPs for Eidul Azha issued after Delta variant surge in Punjab Campaign for vaccination has been extended till July 25. The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Updated 19 Jul, 2021 11:22am
With positivity rate rising, district admin considering locking down in Islamabad's hotspot areas 43pc of capital’s population partially or fully vaccinated, ministry official says. Ikram Junaidi | Aamir Yasin Updated 19 Jul, 2021 11:29am
Balochistan faces sharp increase in Covid-19 cases Provincial govt spokesperson says the rate of positive coronavirus cases has reached 12pc. Saleem Shahid Updated 19 Jul, 2021 09:29am
Thai police fire rubber bullets, tear gas at protesters Action taken over defiance of Covid-19 restrictions as protesters call for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha’s resignation. AFP Updated 19 Jul, 2021 08:35am
Pakistan ranks 30th after recording 15,000 virus cases in a week In terms of most number of tests per million population, the country has been ranked 162nd. Ikram Junaidi Updated 19 Jul, 2021 07:43am
Saudi Arabia stages second scaled-down Haj of coronavirus era Saudi Arabia is allowing only 60,000 fully vaccinated citizens and residents of the Kingdom to take part. AFP Updated 18 Jul, 2021 03:30pm
Three athletes, 1 IOC member test positive for Covid-19 less than a week before start of Olympic games Organisers say 55 people linked to the Olympics have reported positive tests since July 1. AP Published 18 Jul, 2021 12:31pm
UK health minister gets Covid ahead of ‘freedom day’ Stresses he has received both doses of a Covid vaccine and his symptoms are “very mild”. AFP Updated 18 Jul, 2021 08:39am
KP health dept struggling to increase Covid vaccination rate NIH detects 16 cases of Delta strain, five of Alpha in KP. Ashfaq Yusufzai Updated 18 Jul, 2021 09:37am
Second dose allowed to those waiting for SMS Pakistan receives 1.23m doses of AstraZeneca vaccine; vaccination centres to remain closed only on first day of Eidul Azha. Ikram Junaidi Updated 18 Jul, 2021 07:18am
In pictures: Pilgrims head to Makkah for second pandemic Haj Only 60,000 fully vaccinated Saudi residents from more than 558,000 applicants have been chosen for the downsized pilgrimage. AFP Updated 17 Jul, 2021 05:10pm
Mosques to be used to create awareness of Covid-19, drugs: DC Islamabad Assistance of ulema sought in spreading message. Aamir Yasin | Munawer Azeem Updated 17 Jul, 2021 09:53am
50 Delta variant cases in Lahore set alarm bells ringing Health experts suggest 10-day Eid holidays, other steps to curtail virus. Asif Chaudhry Updated 17 Jul, 2021 10:21am
Iraqi doctors plead for donations as hospital fire deepens Covid crisis Say they fear working in the country’s poorly constructed isolation wards. AP Updated 17 Jul, 2021 09:32am
APEC leaders agree to cooperate on vaccine push New Zealand prime minister says there was also a determination to cut tariffs on vaccines and associated medical equipment. AFP Updated 17 Jul, 2021 09:29am
Unvaccinated people seven times more likely to catch virus: minister So far, 20 million people have been administered vaccines, with 500,000 getting inoculated daily for the last four days. Aamir Yasin Updated 17 Jul, 2021 02:18pm
Melbourne joins Sydney in lockdown as Covid-19 spreads in Australia The lockdown in Melbourne is its fifth since the pandemic began. Reuters Updated 16 Jul, 2021 08:48am
Saudi Arabia smashes Covid fraud ring ahead of Haj More than 120 people suspected of supplying or procuring fraudulent vaccine and test certificates have been arrested. AFP Updated 16 Jul, 2021 09:05am
Risk of Covid spread is ‘zero’, IOC chief says ahead of Tokyo Games “Risk for the other residents of Olympic village and risk for the Japanese people is zero,” Thomas Bach says. Agencies Updated 16 Jul, 2021 10:14am
65 more cases of Delta variant detected in Karachi on July 12 and 13: KU institute Testing facility says Delta variant was confirmed in 69 per cent of samples tested. Imtiaz Ali Published 15 Jul, 2021 08:17pm
UAE withdraws requirement for attestation of Covid-19 vaccine certificates for Pakistani visitors The order was withdrawn after the Foreign Office took up the matter with UAE authorities. Naveed Siddiqui | Qazi Hassan Updated 15 Jul, 2021 08:50pm
Eng vs Ind: Rishabh Pant tests positive for Covid-19 ahead of Test series Rishabh Pant recently attended a Euro 2020 match despite a BCCI warning to "avoid" crowded places in England. AFP Published 15 Jul, 2021 03:50pm
'No need for double locking': Dr Faisal discourages 4 jabs of multiple vaccines Overprotection of an already locked door provides only "marginal gains", health adviser explains with an analogy. Dawn.com Published 15 Jul, 2021 02:42pm
Covid positivity, cases soar overnight as Delta variant fuels concerns Asad Umar says rapid build up of critical patients seen at hospitals across country; 28.5pc rise in cases from a day ago. Dawn.com Updated 15 Jul, 2021 03:49pm
Six more localities sealed in Islamabad as Covid-19 cases surge Islamabad DC asks police to cordon off the streets to ensure public safety, stem virus spread. Munawer Azeem | Aamir Yasin Updated 15 Jul, 2021 09:59am
Virus cases found at Olympic hotel as IOC chief vows to minimise risk Medical experts are worried that Olympic “bubbles” might not be completely tight. Agencies Updated 15 Jul, 2021 10:22am
Sindh to ban indoor dining, close schools after uptick in Covid cases Amusement parks, water parks, cinemas and indoor gyms will also close again. Dawn.com | Imtiaz Ali Updated 14 Jul, 2021 07:19pm
Health dept suspects deadly Delta variant in Lahore Analyses 28 Covid samples from different hospitals to look out for the variant. Asif Chaudhry Updated 14 Jul, 2021 09:22am
Over 40 Delta variant cases reported in Karachi in two weeks Sindh health minister urges public to adhere to SOPs. Faiza Ilyas Updated 14 Jul, 2021 09:05am
Gene editing used to ‘chop up’ Covid virus in human cells CRISPR has already shown promise in eliminating the genetic coding that drives the development of children’s cancer. AFP Updated 14 Jul, 2021 08:45am
Anger mounts after 92 die in fire at Covid ward in Iraq In April, a similar explosion at a Baghdad Covid-19 hospital killed at least 82 and injured 110. Reuters Updated 14 Jul, 2021 08:37am
NCOC increases number of flights to bring back Pakistanis Over 20 million doses administered since February; 21 deaths, 1,590 cases reported in single day. Ikram Junaidi Updated 14 Jul, 2021 07:49am
'Do more': PM Imran asks developed countries to help poor nations with ‘unutilised IMF quota’ Says UN should initiate a multi-stakeholder dialogue to mobilise $1tr investment required annually in sustainable infrastructure. Dawn.com Updated 13 Jul, 2021 10:29pm
Overcoming Covid-19 challenge not possible without equitable vaccine distribution: Qureshi Says we must urgently mobilise financial resources to recover from the Covid-19. Dawn.com Published 13 Jul, 2021 05:53pm
Sindh health minister sounds alarm as 35 Delta variant cases confirmed in Karachi since June "Severe symptoms" of the virus have been observed in people confirmed to be suffering from the Delta variant: statement. Imtiaz Ali | Dawn.com Updated 13 Jul, 2021 07:03pm
64 dead in fire at coronavirus ward in Iraq: health officials Over 100 people were also injured in the fire at al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in the city of Nasiriyah on Monday. AP Published 13 Jul, 2021 03:09pm
35 die in fire at Iraqi Covid ward The blaze at Al Hussein hospital is the second such tragedy in Iraq this year. AFP Updated 13 Jul, 2021 09:36am
Thai govt imposes tough Covid-19 curbs, curfew in Bangkok Thailand has so far recorded more than 345,000 Covid-19 cases and 2,791 deaths. AFP Updated 13 Jul, 2021 08:53am
Ban on people’s entry to Neelum angers tourism industry The administration in Neelum valley has slapped a ban on the entry of tourists from July 19 to July 29. Tariq Naqash Updated 13 Jul, 2021 08:09am
Sindh health dept proposes shutting down primary schools as Covid-19 positivity rate jumps to 14pc in Karachi Karachi commissioner directed to impose smart lockdowns in areas with a large number of cases. Dawn.com Published 12 Jul, 2021 10:04pm
In a first, Thailand to mix Sinovac, AstraZeneca vaccine doses “This is to improve protection against the Delta variant and build a high level of immunity against the disease,” says minister. Reuters Published 12 Jul, 2021 04:23pm
May seek Pakistan Army's help to implement Covid-19 measures: Dr Faisal Urges people to comply with SOPs and get vaccinated; says ample vaccine doses available in country. Dawn.com Updated 12 Jul, 2021 04:33pm
At Karachi's grand cattle market, buy a cow, get coronavirus free With the trade of cattle running into the billions at this temporary city, Covid-19 is the least of anyone's concern. Shahzeb Ahmed Updated 12 Jul, 2021 12:30pm
No ban on livestock import through Torkham border Officials say dealers must produce quarantine certificates. The Newspaper's Correspondent Updated 12 Jul, 2021 10:08am
KP health dept scaling up contact tracing of Covid patients Three more die of coronavirus and 150 new cases recorded in KP. Ashfaq Yusufzai Updated 12 Jul, 2021 10:00am
Smart lockdowns to be enforced as Islamabad sees uptick in Covid-19 positivity rate Two educational institutions sealed; more Delta variant cases emerge in Pindi. Ikram Junaidi | Aamir Yasin Updated 12 Jul, 2021 09:35am
Australia reports year’s first locally contracted virus death 77 new Covid cases reported in New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant. Reuters Updated 12 Jul, 2021 08:49am
‘Tokyo Olympics will create model for pandemic Games’ Athletes will not have to compete in empty venues because Olympic officials and journalists will be there, says Tokyo 2020 CEO. Reuters Updated 12 Jul, 2021 10:02am
Coronavirus cases rising in Balochistan: Shahwani Balochistan govt spokesperson says most people will be vaccinated by August 31. The Newspaper's Staff Correspondent Updated 12 Jul, 2021 08:27am
SOPs tightened for tourists amid virus surge Those without vaccination certificates will not be allowed to enter tourist spots in GB, KP and AJK during the Eid holidays. Ikram Junaidi Updated 12 Jul, 2021 07:36am
Belgian woman who died of Covid contracted two variants at the same time A molecular biologist in Belgium says "unfortunately, we do not know how this infection happened". Reuters Published 11 Jul, 2021 07:14pm
Thailand considers giving booster shots as small number of vaccinated medics infected with Covid Of the 677,348 medical personnel who received two doses of Sinovac, 618 became infected: health ministry data. Reuters Published 11 Jul, 2021 04:40pm
Rawalpindi administration considering lockdown as Covid-19 cases surge Five more diagnosed with Delta variant, slight decrease in positivity rate in capital. Aamir Yasin | Munawer Azeem Updated 11 Jul, 2021 09:15am
Threefold rise in cases as people throw caution to wind Official says as many as 12 mutations were observed in Delta variant, situation becoming serious with every passing day. Ikram Junaidi Updated 11 Jul, 2021 04:53pm
Sri Lanka to delay home series against India after Covid-19 cases SL batting coach Grant Flower and another official tested positive for the new coronavirus soon after their return from England. Reuters Published 10 Jul, 2021 02:42pm
Sindh makes Covid vaccination certificate mandatory for availing medical services at hospitals PMA terms restrictions imposed by Sindh govt “harsh”, says it will encourage business of fake Covid-19 vaccination cards. Published 10 Jul, 2021 07:36am
Only vaccinated people allowed to attend wedding functions Owners of wedding halls, restaurants discuss SOPs with officials, promise staff vaccination. Bureau Report Updated 10 Jul, 2021 11:25am
Covid-19 positivity jumps to 7.1pc in Islamabad Delta variant detected in most positive patients, officials say. Munawer Azeem | Aamir Yasin Updated 10 Jul, 2021 10:44am
NCOC recommends ban on air travel for unvaccinated people from Aug 1 Makes it mandatory for students aged above 18 to get themselves vaccinated by August 31. Naveed Siddiqui Published 09 Jul, 2021 06:02pm
Shafqat Mahmood accuses PML-N MNAs of doing 'cheap politics' on exams issue Education minister stresses the decision to take exams was "taken unanimously by all federating units", says they will go ahead. Dawn.com Updated 10 Jul, 2021 12:06am
Clear signs 4th Covid wave is starting, warns Asad Umar Blames non-compliance with SOPs, spread of variants of concern for the looming fourth wave. Dawn.com Published 09 Jul, 2021 12:00pm
Detection of new Covid variants worries KP health department Two more die of coronavirus in Peshawar. Ashfaq Yusufzai Updated 09 Jul, 2021 09:52am
15 delta variant cases detected in Rawalpindi Health authorities recommend smart lockdown in 10 localities. Munawer Azeem | Aamir Yasin Updated 09 Jul, 2021 10:00am
Fans banned from Olympic venues as virus emergency imposed Tokyo 2020 will be the first Games ever held largely behind closed doors. AFP Updated 09 Jul, 2021 11:03am
Garment factory owners fail to shield workers in pandemic: AFWA Factory owners in Pakistan denied more than $85m in wages to 244,510 workers from a sample of 50 industrial units. The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Updated 09 Jul, 2021 07:56am
