'What we feared has happened,' says CM Shah as he confirms 7 of a family in Karachi have coronavirus

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday said "what we feared has happened" as he confirmed that seven members of a family had contracted the coronavirus.

"The head of a family living in Karachi's Central Zone caught the virus and brought it home with him. A one-year-old son and six-year-old daughter are among those infected," he said, via a video message.

Shah added those living in the slum areas need to be careful and practise social distancing when going out.

Giving an update about the number of cases detected in the province, Shah said in the last 24 hours, 642 tests were conducted in the province, of which 92 came back positive.

“The number of confirmed cases in the province now stands at 1,128. So far 349 patients have recovered in Sindh,” he said, adding that the province had so far recorded 21 deaths.

Moreover, Shah said 1,380 pilgrims had arrived in Sindh from the Iran border via Taftan, out of which 1,108 had tested negative.

CM Shah rejected reports of people committing suicide out of helplessness. "People are facing difficulties, but the provincial government stands by them."

“When this is all over, life will start with new rules,” he said.

Relief for Sindh residents

Separately, a draft of the Sindh Coronavirus Emergency Relief Ordinance was sent to the governor for approval by the law department.

Under the law, people worst affected by the virus will be provided financial relief.

The draft also covers orders for private schools across the province to adhere to a 20% reduction in fees. “No school will be allowed to charge more than 80% of the fee,” it said.

Moreover, relief in the utility bills for water, electricity and gas will also be provided to residential consumers and businesses.

According to the ordinance, landlords will not be allowed to take rent valued under Rs50,000 for a temporary period. This rent will, however, be payable later.

Rent up to Rs100,000 will be slashed by half. For rent more than Rs100,000, payment will have to be made in full.

Furthermore, those consuming up to 155 units of power will be exempted from paying, while those consuming 200 units will have to pay up to 25% of the charges. For a 300-unit consumption, consumers will have to pay 50% of the charges.