Coronavirus updates, April 30: Latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic from Pakistan and around the world
National Assembly speaker becomes third PTI member to test positive for coronavirus; nationwide death toll jumps to 361, confirmed cases cross 16,000
Updated Thursday Apr 30 2020
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 16,473 on Thursday after new infections were confirmed in the country.
The province-wise break up of the total number of cases as of 11:50pm, April 30, is as follows:
Total confirmed cases: 16,473
• Sindh: 6,053
• Punjab: 6,340
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 2,313
• Balochistan: 1,049
• Islamabad Capital Territory: 313
• Gilgit-Baltistan: 339
• AJK: 66
Deaths: 361
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 122
• Sindh: 112
• Balochistan: 14
• Gilgit-Baltistan: 3
• Punjab: 106
• Islamabad Capital Territory: 4
Officials have recorded more than 3.19 million cases and 226,880 deaths since the virus emerged in China in December.
Read on for the latest updates from Pakistan and around the world.
Disclaimer: There may be some discrepancy in the number of confirmed cases reported at the country level due to differences in figures quoted by federal and provincial authorities.
Geo News is constantly gathering fresh information from concerned authorities and striving to keep our readers up to date with the most accurate information available.
Orange: General updates coming in from Pakistan
Red: Reports on new cases in Pakistan
Maroon: Reports on new deaths in Pakistan
Green: Reports on recovered patients in Pakistan
END OF LIVE UPDATES FOR APRIL 30
Live updates for May 1 to continue here.
11:50pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab reports 120 new cases, 70 more recoveries
The Punjab disaster management authority has reported 120 more cases since the last update in the day, taking the tally to 6,340.
A total of 279 cases were reported over the last 24 hours.
The province also reported 71 more recoveries, taking the total number to 1,921.
11:40pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Nadra offices to reopen on May 4
The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has announced its offices will reopen across the country on May 4.
Nadra Chairman Usman Mubeen Yousuf has issued instructions to all offices to this effect.
According to sources within Nadra, prior to their opening, all offices will take the necessary precautions against coronavirus.
11:15pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — GB reports 20 more recoveries, rise in cases
Gilgit-Baltistan home secretary Muhammad Ali Randhawa has announced the recovery of 20 more persons in the region. With this, a total of 248 have recovered in the region.
A rise in the number of cases by six was also reported, taking the tally of infections to 339.
10:53pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — NA speaker diagnosed with coronavirus
National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has tested positive for the coronavirus.
"I have put myself in self-quarantine," said the speaker, in a statement on Twitter.
"I request the entire nation to take precautions and to pray for my recovery," he said.
10:29pm — Moscow, Russia — Russian prime minister tests positive for coronavirus
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has said that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and will hence self-isolate.
"I have just learned that the test on the coronavirus I took was positive," Mishustin said in a video meeting with President Vladimir Putin, suggesting a deputy takes his place while he self-isolates.
"I have to observe self-isolation and follow orders of doctors. This is necessary to protect my colleagues," he said, promising to be in constant contact "on all the main issues."
He suggested that First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov takes his place as an "acting" prime minister.
"What is happening to you now can happen to anyone," Putin reassured him in the televised meeting.
"I hope that you stay able to work and will actively participate" in government decision-making, he said.
"Without your opinions and your participation these decisions will not be made," Putin told Mishustin, wishing him a quick recovery.
10:25pm — Paris, France — Russian premier says he has coronavirus: AFP
10:15pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Zulfi Bukhari tells Pakistanis in USA tickets for Washington flight available online
The prime minister's aide on overseas Pakistanis, Zulfi Bukhari has announced that the tickets for the Qatar Airways flight from Washington DC announced previously have been made available for purchase online.
10:06pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Sindh issues reminder for Ramadan SOPs
The Sindh home department has issued a reminder notification for standard operating procedures to be observed during Ramadan.
According to the notification, there is a ban on movement between 5pm and 8am.
Dairy shops are allowed to remain open from 8am to 8pm.
Samosas, pakoras and fruit chaat can be ordered for delivery. Keeping in mind the large crowds stalls of such items attract, the decision to prohibit them was taken, said the notification.
All delivery persons must comply with SOPs issued earlier for businesses, it added.
Taraweeh prayers must be observed at home.
10:00pm — Kiberia, Kenya — Coronavirus hairstyle takes Kiberian slum by storm
09:27pm — Quetta, Pakistan — Balochistan tally goes past 1,000
Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani has reported 18 more cases of COVID-19, taking the provincial tally to 1,049.
Of the total, 898 are cases of local transmissions. So far, 183 have recovered.
09:14pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Sindh health dept spokesperson says 'shame' people refuse to stay home despite city crossing 100 deaths
The Sindh health department spokesperson has said its "such a shame" that despite Karachi crossing 100 deaths, people i "refuse to sit at home and maintain social distance".
08:46pm — New York, USA — Macy's reopening 68 stores, targets all within six weeks as US restrictions loosen
Macy’s Inc plans to reopen 68 US stores on Monday in states that have loosened coronavirus lockdowns, the department store operator has said.
Cincinnati, Ohio-based Macy’s, the largest US department store operator by sales, said it expects to have all of its roughly 775 stores reopened in six weeks, if infection rates taper off as projected and state and local governments allow it.
The next batch of roughly 50 stores is scheduled to reopen on May 11, it said.
Reuters' latest tally of coronavirus cases
08:30pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab chief minister says staff treating COVID-19 patients to get bonus salary beginning April
The Punjab chief minister has instructed the health department to ensure staff treating COVID-19 patients are given an additional salary beginning the month of April. "The additional payment will be given to them till the overcoming of the pandemic," said a statement on social media.
The department was also told to disburse full salaries to doctors, returning to them the amount deducted for the coronavirus fund.
08:24pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — PM briefed about medical equipment in exhibition organised by science ministry
Britain's hero of the hour 'Captain Tom' turns 100
Britain is celebrating today the 100th birthday of the World War II veteran whose staggering fundraising efforts inspired the country during the depths of its coronavirus outbreak.
Having served his country in the last century, "Captain Tom" Moore recently thrust himself into the thick of Britain's latest battle by doing 100 laps of his garden and raising over £29 million (33 million euros, $36 million) for healthcare workers treating coronavirus patients.
His efforts and humility have propelled him to iconic status, with a high-speed train named after him and all letters sent in the British postal service this week carrying a birthday message.
Planes from the Royal Air Force, usually deployed for World War II commemorative events, will also fly in his honour as he celebrates his century.
The pensioner from Yorkshire, northern England, has also received more than 125,000 birthday cards from around the world, enough to fill the vast hall of his grandson Benjie's school.
Among those to wish him a happy birthday is the Queen herself as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also extended birthday wishes to Moore.
08:01pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Sindh's cases at a glance
07:44pm — Washington, USA — Peculiar frostbite-like rashes may be sign of COVID-19
American publication Washington Post has reported that doctors are warning against an increasing number of cases in which 'frostbite' toes and other odd rashes are reported in people who test positive for COVID-19.
"The cases tend to be mild and resolve on their own. But doctors recommend those with symptoms consider getting tested for the virus and self-isolate," said the report.
The rash itself is harmless, despite some complaining of a burning sensation. It is seen mostly in the young.
The inflammation disappears without treatment in two to three weeks.
The striking observation made by doctors is that many of the patients had tested positive for COVID-19.
"My inbox and my telemedicine clinic are full of just toes. It’s all about toes. I have never seen so many toes,” said Esther Freeman, a dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Read more here.
06:56pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Tiger Force to begin work in Punjab and KP next week
The prime minister's special assistant on youth affairs, Usman Dar, has announced that the Coronavirus Relief Tiger Force will begin work in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa next week and later on in the rest of the country.
06:28pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab govt to notify increase in salaries of medical workers in 'corona wards' soon: spokesperson
Punjab government spokesperson Musarrat Cheema has said that the provincial government "has already announced an increase in salaries of staffers working in corona wards and will soon issue a notification of the same".
06:00pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Ministry of defense can produce up to 400,000 litres of sanitisers, 35,000 'high quality' masks daily
According to Zobaida Jalal, who is the minister for defense production, the ministry can now producer 300,000 to 400,000 litres of sanitisers, 35,000 "high quality" masks and 400 to 500 protective suits per day.
05:30pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Of 1 million Corona Relief Tiger Force applicants, 17,000 belong to medical field: Dr Mirza
Dr Zafar Mirza has addressed the 17,000 applicants to the Tiger Force and requested them to fill out a questionnaire sent by the government so they can be assigned appropriate duties.
"Of more than one million applicants, we have found about 17,000 to be nurses, paramedics etc. So they have been sent a questionnaire to know their specialities," said the prime minister's aide on health.
"Wee will put them to work in their own constituencies," he said, explaining that they may be asked to work where people are quarantined or carry out routine healthcare services, whatever the area's needs merit.
"If you have received this questionnaire please fill and send it," he said.
05:24pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Country to soon become 100% self-sufficient in PPE production: Dr Mirza
Dr Zafar Mirza has expressed confidence that Pakistan will soon be able to produce personal protection equipment (PPE) to the extent of 100%, including N95 masks, as soon as within the next 10 days.
He said that the availability of PPEs is "no longer a problem".
The premier's aide on health said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has procured a large number of PPEs from abroad and is directly delivering them to hospitals.
He said the only issue that remains is the "irrational use" of the items, for which medical workers will be provided training under the national programme being rolled out for them.
05:08pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Dr Mirza announces 'national programme' for frontline workers
Dr Zafar Mirza, the prime minister's aide on health, has announced a 'national programme' for the frontline workers treating COVID-19 patients and "putting their lives at risk".
"Our greatest fear is that our frontline workers are putting themselves in danger looking after patients," said Dr Mirza, as he took over the briefing.
"Globally, these workers have comprised 11% of those infected. Our rate is lower," he said.
The premier's aide said that the government has formed a national programme for the support and protection of frontline workers.
"We will work with provincial governments [for the implementation of the programme]."
He said that the programme will include mental health support and training on the correct use of personal protection equipment.
05:05pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — 'Important that we do not stop practicing the good habits learnt': Dr Faisal
Taking over the press briefing, Dr Faisal reminds everyone to continue practicing the good hygiene and social distancing habits we have inculcated into our lives as a result of the outbreak.
"Our strategy ahead will rely heavily on this," he said, adding: "Then we will be able to implement relaxations."
05:02pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — 'Our hope is, next week we can decide to ease restrictions': Asad Umar
Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, during a press briefing alongside Prime Minister Imran Khan and various government representatives, has said that the government may be able to ease restrictions if the people continue to cooperate and follow social distancing guidelines and set protocols for precautions.
"If Pakistanis continue to cooperate and tell others around them to take precautions, we can ease restrictions.
"Our hope is that next week when we take decisions, we will go towards an easing in restrictions," said Umar.
04:51pm — Dubai, UAE — War torn Yemen reports first virus deaths stoking fears
Yemen has recorded its first two coronavirus deaths, the health minister said late Wednesday, after the war-torn country confirmed five new cases, stoking fears of a major outbreak.
Yemen's healthcare system has been blighted by years of war that have driven millions from their homes and plunged the country into what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
On Wednesday, Yemen recorded five new cases of COVID-19 in its second city Aden, the committee monitoring the outbreak said on Twitter.
The country has been largely spared from the effects of the pandemic, with a total of six cases recorded so far — the first in April in the government-controlled southeastern province of Hadramawt.
04:35pm — Paris, France — Less air pollution means thousands fewer die
There will be 11,000 fewer deaths in European countries under coronavirus lockdown due to a sharp drop in fossil fuel pollution during April, according to research released Friday.
Measures to halt the spread of coronavirus have slowed the region's economies to a crawl, with coal-generated power falling by nearly 40%, and oil consumption by a third.
"This will result in 11,000 avoided deaths from air pollution," said lead author Lauri Myllyvirta, senior analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
4:00pm — Peshawar, Pakistan — KP ramps up testing, performs over 18,500 tests in 10 days
3:55pm — Dushanbe, Tajikistan — Tajikistan confirms first coronavirus cases
Tajikistan has confirmed its first 15 coronavirus cases, the Central Asian nation's Healthcare Ministry said on Thursday.
3:45pm — Tehran, Iran — Death toll from coronavirus rises to 6,028
The death toll from the outbreak of the new coronavirus increased by 71 in the past 24 to 6,028, Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said.
The total number of diagnosed cases of the new coronavirus in Iran has reached 94,640, he said.
3:40pm — Matiari, Pakistan — Officer who met Sindh governor tests positive for virus
An officer who met Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has tested positive for the virus, Matiari's district health officer (DHO) said.
“Assistant Commissioner New Saeedabad Ammar Rizvi has tested positive for the virus,” the DHO said.
The DHO said Rizvi had gone for a test two days ago after he had complained of fever, cough and flu.
3:30pm — Madrid, Spain — Spain's coronavirus daily death toll falls to lowest tally in nearly six weeks
The number of fatalities related to the novel coronavirus recorded overnight in Spain fell to 268, the lowest tally in nearly six weeks, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.
The overall death toll rose to 24,543 while confirmed cases rose to 213,435, the ministry said.
Life after lockdown: Practices and trends foreseen to continue to prevent coronavirus spread
3:10pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Death toll from coronavirus jumps to 361
Pakistan’s death toll from the novel coronavirus jumped to 361 after Punjab reported three new deaths on Thursday.
The death toll from the virus in Punjab stands at 106.
3:05pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab’s coronavirus tally rises to 6,220
Confirmed cases in Punjab rose to 6,220 after 159 new cases were reported in the province.
Pakistan has reported 16,276 cases of the virus and 361 deaths.
2:45pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Tiger Force to become operational from next week in Punjab, KP: Usman Dar
Special Assistant to PM on Youth Affairs Usman Dar has said the Corona Tiger Force will become operational from next week in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Those that are part of the Tiger Force will be given protective gear while dispensing their duties” Dar told a press conference.
He added that the Tiger Force will also help in ensuring SOPs are being followed in mosques and will also work with utility store owners during rush hours.
2:25pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Opposition calls for Senate session
The opposition has called for a session of the Senate stating that parliament has become idle amid the coronavirus lockdown.
“If a meeting of 50 to 60 cabinet members can be convened, then why can’t a Senate session be summoned,” the opposition members demanded while attending a virtual meeting with Deputy Senate Chairman Saleem Madilwala in the chair.
Global coronavirus cases jump to 3.19 million, death toll crosses 226,800
More than 3.19 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 226,880 have died, according to a Reuters tally.
Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.
2:10pm — Moscow, Russia - Coronavirus case tally passes 100,000 with record daily rise
Russia on Thursday reported 7,099 new cases of the novel coronavirus, a record daily rise, bringing its nationwide tally to 106,498.
The official nationwide death toll rose to 1,073 after 101 people with the virus died in the last 24 hours, Russia's coronavirus crisis response centre said.
Captain Tom Moore's NHS fundraiser hits £30million on 100th birthday
1:55pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Two sectors sealed in federal capital
Two sectors in the federal capital were sealed after new cases were detected there.
“Sector 1-10/1 and 1-10/4 are hereby sealed in the larger public interest and to prevent widespread outbreak of novel coronavirus,” a notification said.
“Islamabad Police, Rangers and Pakistan Army are requested to cordon off above mentioned area to ensure public safety,” the notification added.
1:40pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Death toll from coronavirus jumps to 358
Pakistan’s death toll from the novel coronavirus jumped to 358 after Sindh reported 12 new deaths on Thursday.
The death toll from the virus in Sindh stands at 112.
1:35pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Sindh reports 358 new cases, nationwide tally rises to 16,117
Confirmed cases in the country jumped to 16,117 after new cases were detected in Sindh.
According to the Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, 358 new cases were reported in the province, taking the tally to 6,053.
“Of the 358 new cases, 284 were reported in Karachi,” Shah said.
He added in the last 24 hours 53 people have recovered from the virus. “There are 4,721 patients under treatment for the virus at the moment. 30 of these are in critical condition while 17 of these are on a ventilator,” he added.
1:25pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Sindh Govt Children Hospital's emergency ward sealed after staffer’s brother tests positive
The emergency ward of Sindh Government Children Hospital was sealed after the brother of an emergency ward worker tested positive for the virus.
“The staff member had not informed us that his brother had tested positive,” the hospital CEO said.
We will open the emergency ward after spraying the area with disinfectant, he added.
Pakistan Association of Greater Houston organises free medical camp for coronavirus testing
1:10pm — Lahore, Pakistan — CM Punjab directs hospitals not to cut doctors pay for Corona Relief Fund
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has directed hospitals not to cut doctors salaries for the Coronavirus Relief Fund.
“Doctors are our front line soldiers, there pay should not be cut,” he said.
The chief minister also directed authorities to provide doctors with all possible help as they fight the pandemic.
1:00pm — Berlin Germany — Germany to extend social distancing till May 10
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff said on Thursday that social distancing measures in Europe's largest economy would "certainly" be extended until May 10 for the time being.
Helge Braun told broadcaster n-tv a larger discussion about further steps to ease the lockdown would happen on May 6.
12:45pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Lockdown was announced without thinking about poor: PM Imran
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the lockdown in the country was announced without thinking about the poor and needy.
“In India lockdown was also announced by PM Modi without thinking about millions in the country,” PM Imran said while addressing an event in Islamabad.
“Coronavirus has affected the poor the most. In Singapore they had also announced a lockdown but once lifted, cases surged,” he said.
The premier added, “This is why when we take decisions we will need to think about that segment of the society which sees death every next day, sees its children die of diseases.”
“We can’t tell them to practice social distancing when they are eight people living in one room,” he said.
“The country can only move forward together, not one segment moving ahead while the rest are left behind,” he added.
12:40pm — Islamabad, Pakistan – PIA allowed to operate direct flights to US
The US Department of Transport has permitted Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to operate direct flights to the United States, a notification said.
A request in this regard had been filed by PIA CEO Arshad Malik last week.
“PIA can now fly 12 direct flights in a month,” the notification said.
This is the first time that the national carrier will be allowed to fly directly to the US.
Read more on this here.
12:30pm — Singapore, Singapore - 528 new coronavirus cases reported
Singapore confirmed 528 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, its Health Ministry said, taking the city-state's total cases to 16,169.
12:20pm — Tokyo, Japan — PM Abe to consult health experts amid speculation state of emergency to be extended
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday he will consult with infectious disease experts on whether to extend a national state of emergency to contain coronavirus infections, as other nations begin to reopen from strict lockdowns.
Abe declared the nationwide state of emergency on April 16 to last through May 6, and local media said the declaration will likely be extended for another month.
"We would like to consult experts' analysts and views," Abe said in parliament about an extension of the emergency declaration, adding he wants to make a decision before the last minute.
Indian mechanic invents 'social distancing' motorbike
An Indian mechanic has built a motorbike with a one-metre gap between the rider and the passenger to drive home the importance of social distancing in the coronavirus pandemic.
Partha Saha, 39, bought an old bike from a scrap dealer, removed the engine and cut the machine in two before affixing a rod slightly longer than a metre (3.2 feet) to connect the wheels.
"Now I can ride with my eight-year-old daughter while maintaining a safe distance," he told AFP.
12:00pm — London, UK — Britain could miss COVID-19 testing target, says minister
Britain could miss its target of carrying out 100,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of April, Justice Minister Robert Buckland said on Thursday.
Some 52,429 tests were carried out on Wednesday, according to the latest figures, putting Britain on course to miss the target set by the health minister.
"Even if it isn't met, we are well on our way to ramping this up," Buckland told BBC television.
Greta Thunberg donates $100,000 for kids to fight COVID-19 crisis
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has donated a $100,000 prize she won from a Danish foundation to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for use against the COVID-19 pandemic, the world body said Thursday.
"I'm asking everyone to step up and join me in support of UNICEF's vital work to save children's lives, to protect health and continue education," Thunberg said.
11:40am — Karachi, Pakistan — Sindh home ministry says exceptions to pillion riding ban withdrawn due to misuse
The Sindh Home Ministry on Thursday said they took back the pillion riding relaxation from the journalists after violations of the government’s orders were reported.
The home ministry in its response submitted to the Sindh High Court said that initially journalists and female members of the family were allowed amid coronavirus lockdown.
After the remarks were concluded, the high court said the verdict will be announced at the next hearing.
11:30am — Lahore, Punjab — Jinnah Hospital doctor says govt has not given them any risk allowance
Obaid Wardak, a doctor at Lahore’s Jinnah Hospital has said the government has not given them any risk allowance as they continue to fight against the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
“We need protective gear and other equipment,” he told Geo News.
“There are no face shields or sanitizers in the hospitals,” Wardak said, adding that doctors in different districts did not even have the basic protective equipment.
“The government has only made promises and now they have given us a pay cut. They should have informed us before doing that,” he added.
11:15am — Cairo, Yemen — Yemen reports first two deaths from coronavirus
Yemen has reported its first two deaths from the novel coronavirus, the country's health minister said.
Earlier, Yemeni authorities reported five coronavirus infections in Aden, after the United Nations said it feared the disease could be spreading undetected in a country where millions face famine and lack medical care.
Paris kitchen turns creative to survive COVID-19
11:00am — Bangkok, Thailand — 7 new coronavirus cases reported, no new deaths
Thailand on Thursday reported seven new coronavirus cases but no new deaths, taking its tally to 2,954 cases while fatalities remained at 54 since the outbreak began in January.
New daily infections have stayed in the single digits for four consecutive days.
10:50am — Washington, US — G7 seeks WHO review and reform, commits to coordinated virus response, says White House
Leaders from the G7 group of industrialised nations on Thursday called for a review and reform process at the World Health Organisation (WHO) and agreed to ensure a coordinated global approach to the coronavirus pandemic, the White House said.
"The leaders recognised that the G7 nations annually contribute more than a billion dollars to WHO, and much of the conversation centred on the lack of transparency and chronic mismanagement of the pandemic by the WHO. The leaders called for a thorough review and reform process," the White House said in a statement.
FACT: Spraying or introducing disinfectants into your body WILL NOT protect you against COVID-19
10:30am — Islamabad, Pakistan — NDMA dispatches fourth consignment of protective gear to hospitals
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has dispatched the fourth consignment of personal protection equipment (PPE) to hospitals, a spokesperson said on Thursday.
“Hospitals in Sindh have been given more than 200,000 face masks and 12,000 N-95 masks,” the spokesperson said.
“We have already dispatched protective gear to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan,” the spokesperson said, adding, that equipment was still being dispatched t Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The last places on earth without coronavirus
10:15am — Islamabad, Pakistan — Court cancels judicial complex employees’ vacations
The Islamabad judicial complex has cancelled the vacations of all employees, a circular released on Thursday said.
According to the circular, staff employed at the accountability court, anti-terrorism court, banking court, cybercrime and other courts have been directed to show up.
“Limited staff will continue to work at the judicial complex while maintaining social distancing,” the circular said.
It is pertinent to mention that most of the staff were given holidays till May 5 due to the coronavirus lockdown.
US scientists say experimental drug remdesivir has 'clear cut' power to fight coronavirus
US officials say that there is "clear-cut" evidence that experimental drug remdesivir can help people recover from the coronavirus.
A clinical trial of the drug showed that patients who took the antiviral drug recovered about 30% faster than those on a placebo.
9:30am — Islamabad, Pakistan — Islamabad, Balochistan report new cases, nationwide tally rises 15,759
Confirmed cases in the country rose to 15,759 on Thursday after new cases were detected in Islamabad, Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the national dashboard, 16 new cases were recorded in the federal capital, four in Balochistan and one new case in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.