Unwaning Coronavirus Continues With Over 4,000 Cases
World Bank commits to grant $128 million to support vulnerable households in Pakistan amid the covid-19 pandemic
As the third wave of coronavirus intensifies, Pakistan reported over 4,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, the highest in eight months and World Bank commits a grant $128 million to support vulnerable households amid the covid-19 pandemic.
As per National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the country carried out 42,418 tests in the last 24 hours, out of which 4,368 returned positive.
“The new cases take the national positivity ratio to 10.3%”, NCOC maintained.
During a media briefing after a key NCOC meeting on Saturday, Federal Minister Asad Umar warned the nation over the alarming rise in coronavirus cases in Pakistan especially Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Islamabad.
“The number of critical patients has rapidly increased in the last 12 days. If the trend continues, the situation may slip out of hand”, the minister said.
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The minister maintained that hospitals are reaching their capacities and urged political leadership to show responsibility.
He also pressed media and religious scholars to encourage people to follow SOPs and take precautionary measures.
Earlier this week, the government announced new restrictions to curb third wave of coronavirus.
Vaccination drive in Pakistan has been initiated in February, however, with a very slow pace.
World Bank aids Pakistan
On the other hand, World Bank has committed a $128 million grant extending its continuous support to the government of Pakistan in achieving sustainable economic development in the country amid the spike in coronavirus cases.
“Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, millions of families across Pakistan face economic hardship, particularly those working in the informal sector, who have no savings or are not covered by existing social safety net programs”, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine said.
As per sources, it will also help Pakistan address long-term impacts on human capital caused by the pandemic.
