Second COVID-19 wave has begun in Pakistan: Dr. Faisal Sultan

Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Health, Dr. Faisal Sultan on Tuesday said that the second wave of COVID-19 has begun in the country and urged people to follow standard operating procedure (SOP)s strictly.

Talking to media he said, the daily tally of cases has shot up to 700-750 from 400-500 as compared to past few weeks.

He said, “The death rate from coronavirus has also increased in the country while the positivity ratio had surged to 2.5-2.75%.”

Faisal pointed out that masses were not following SOPs to prevent the spread of the deadly virus as they should, given the pandemic was still far from over.

The Prime Minister’s special assistant on Health said that Pakistan is entering the phase where they need to tighten coronavirus curbs.

“An official plan would be formulated soon,” he added.

"Our focus — tightening coronavirus restrictions — will be more on the cities and areas where the positivity ratio of the virus is high," Dr. Faisal said.

"We urge local administrations to implement coronavirus SOPs," he said and warned that the government would impose a fine on people who did not follow coronavirus SOPs in public places.

He also hinted that business timing across the country may be reduced once again amid second COVID-19 wave.

He said that business timings that were in place during the pandemic may be restored again.