• Mirza says it is feared that the number of cases and deaths will continue to rise.
• At least 54 people have died of the deadly virus during 24 hours across the country: SAPM.
• Those who die of novel COVID-19 can be buried as per Islamic customs and following precautionary measures, says Mirza.

Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad on Friday, he said that a large number of patients are being shifted on ventilators. "At least 54 people have died of the deadly virus during 24 hours across the country," he mentioned.

He said it is feared that the number of cases and deaths will continue to rise. "The situation is under control. About 18 to 20 percent ventilators are being used currently."

He pointed out, "The situation is a bit serious at big hospitals in cities."

The SAPM said that the National Command and Operation Centre is monitoring the number of beds and ventilators in hospitals across the country and there are enough of them at the moment.

Mirza said that those who die of novel COVID-19 can be buried as per Islamic customs and following precautionary measures.

SAPM Zafar Mirza announced that the government has issued new guidelines for handling bodies of Covid-19 patients that are available on the government's Covid-19 website. He said the guidelines were changed after the government found no evidence that the coronavirus can be transferred through dead bodies.

He shared the following points from the new advisory:

• When a person dies, the people handling the body should take all precautionary measures; workers and family should use PPE such as masks
• People should not touch the body directly
• Ghusl can be given to a body by taking precautionary measures such as wearing gowns, masks and goggles; the people involved should try not to let water droplets fly
• A body can be given a kafan (shroud). It should be transferred to the grave in the normal way and the people who lower the body into the grave should take precautionary measures.