Coronavirus updates, April 18: Latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic from Pakistan and around the world
National virus death toll edges close to 150, confirmed cases near 8,000; global death toll goes past 151,000
Updated Saturday Apr 18 2020
KARACHI / LAHORE / ISLAMABAD / PESHAWAR / QUETTA: The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 7,925 on Saturday after new infections were confirmed in the country.
The province-wise break up of the total number of cases as of 12:37am, April 19, is as follows:
Total confirmed cases: 7,925
• Sindh: 2,355
• Punjab: 3,649
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 1,077
• Balochistan: 376
• Islamabad Capital Territory: 163
• Gilgit-Baltistan: 257
• AJK: 48
Deaths: 149
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 50
• Sindh: 48
• Balochistan: 5
• Gilgit-Baltistan: 3
• Punjab: 41
• Islamabad Capital Territory: 2
Officials have recorded more than 2.3 million cases and more than 158,000 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 19
Live updates for April 20 to continue here.
12:37am (April20) — Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab reports four more deaths
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has reported four more deaths in the province, taking the grim total to 41.
The province's confirmed cases now number 3,649.
11:59pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Provinces to get 100,000 testing kits by Monday: Chairman NDMA
National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Afzal said that around 100,000 testing kits will be distributed among all the provinces by Monday to help them enhance their coronavirus diagnostic capacity, APP reported.
He said some 50 laboratories were working across the country and conducting around 6,000 coronavirus tests regularly.
Lt Gen Afzal said the country could need another 2,000 to 3,000 ventilators till May 25 owing to growing cases of coronavirus. We will fully support private companies to manufacture the medical equipment related to COVID-19, he added.
11:56pm — Florida, US — Sea turtles are thriving as COVID-19 empties beaches
11:15pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Ehsaas Programme registration to continue till midnight April 19
Sania Nishtar, who is incharge of the Ehsaas Programme has announced that registration for the social security welfare initiative will remain open till midnight on April 19.
Those who have been adversely affected by the lockdown can send their National Identity Card numbers to 8171 and find out if they are eligible.
10:41pm — Karachi, Pakistan — All 273 pilgrims in Sukkur have recovered, says Sindh health dept spokesperson
The Sindh health department spokesperson has announced that all 273 of the pilgrims from Iran that were quarantined in Sukkur have recovered and have been sent home.
10:12pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Pillion riding banned in Sindh without exceptions
Pillion riding has been banned with immediate effect, according to new instructions by the Sindh home department.
"All past exemptions have been withdrawn and pillion riding is now forbidden under any circumstances," said a notice by the Additional Inspector General, citing the new rules by the home department.
The department said that Karachi police will ensure this is complied with and will take action if the rule is violated.
09:49pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — 15 'international passengers' have recovered: deputy commissioner
Islamabad's deputy commissioner has said that nearly 2,000 "international passengers" came to the federal capital over the last three weeks. Of these, 30 had tested positive and now 15 have recovered.
The recovered patients have been sent home where they will be "home quarantined for another 14 days".
09:44pm — London, UK — Govt faces mounting criticism over protection clothing shortages
Doctors and health workers have criticised the British government for suggesting that personal protective equipment (PPE) worn while treating coronavirus patients could be re-used, as supplies run low across the country.
Britain is at or near the peak of a health crisis in which more than 15,000 people have died — the fifth highest national death toll of a pandemic linked to at least 150,000 deaths worldwide.
Data published on Saturday showed 15,464 people have died in British hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus — an increase of 888 in the 24 hours to 1600 GMT on Friday. That increase is higher than recent days, but below the highest daily death toll of 980, seen just over a week ago.
The government issued new guidance to hospitals on Friday setting out that alternatives to fluid-repellent full length gowns may need to be used, including reusable gowns or even long sleeved laboratory coats.
09:42pm — London, UK — UK PM Johnson has had some contact with ministers during coronavirus recovery
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has had some contact with ministers while he is recovering from COVID-19, housing minister Robert Jenrick has said.
“He’s resting and recuperating at Chequers, he’s taking his doctor’s advice. He has had some contact with ministers, but mostly with his private office here at Downing Street,” Jenrick said at the government’s daily news conference.
09:15pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Sindh health dept thanks Getz Pharma for training doctors, paramedics
The Sindh health department has thanked Getz Pharmaceuticals for training doctors and paramedics "during these tough times".
08:47pm — Tehran, Iran — Some businesses allowed to reopen
08:39pm —Zagreb, Croatia — Lockdown extended till May 4
Croatia is extending its coronavirus lockdown for another 15 days, Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic has said, however adding the government was looking at whether it was possible to gradually ease restrictions on movement.
A month ago, the government closed all the shops, bars, restaurants, schools and public transport leaving open only food stores, pharmacies and petrol stations.
Croats have been allowed to leave their homes to buy essentials or seek medical treatment, go for a walk or do an exercise, but not in a group and avoiding social contact. Many people have been working from home.
Croatia has recorded 1,832 cases of COVID-19, with 39 deaths. On Saturday the number of new infections rose by 18 which is the lowest daily increase registered since March 17.
08:16pm — Dubai, UAE — $5,500 fine announced for spreading unauthorised coronavirus information
The United Arab Emirates will fine people up to 20,000 dirhams ($5,500) if they share medical information about the coronavirus that contradicts official statements, state news agency WAM has reported.
The move appears to be aimed at containing the spread of misinformation and rumours related to the COVID-19 outbreak that has claimed 37 lives in the Gulf Arab state, with 6,300 confirmed infections as of Friday.
“It is forbidden for any individual to publish, re-publish or circulate medical information or guidance which is false, misleading or which hasn’t been announced officially ... using print, audiovisual or social media, or online websites or any other way of publication or circulation,” WAM reported, citing the government directive.
The text of the government decision refers only to “individuals”, without specifying whether journalists and media professionals are included.
07:50pm — Quetta, Pakistan — Balochistan tally rises to 376
The Balochistan government spokesperson has reported that the province has recorded 376 cases so far of which 229 were locally transmitted.
He has once more pleaded the people to take precautions.
07:44pm — Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan — Region's tally hits 257 after seven new cases
The Gilgit-Baltistan health department has reported that the region's tally now stands at 257 cases, of which 61 are active and 193 recovered patients.
So far, there have been three deaths in the region from the virus.
07:16pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Virus claims life of doctor
The second death from Islamabad has been reported by the deputy commissioner.
A 72-year-old doctor has died from COVID-19.
The deputy commissioner expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family. "We are arranging for the final rituals as per notified SOP," he wrote, adding: "Stay safe every one. May Allah protect all of us."
06:55pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Website launched for Pakistanis stranded abroad
The ministry for overseas Pakistanis has launched a website ('Air Travel' section on covid.gov.pk) to assist Pakistanis stranded in various countries due to suspension in flight operations.
According to the ministry, an initial schedule for special flights being conducted has been posted on the site and a complete schedule will be put up soon.
The schedule shows that two flights from Indonesia and UAE are fixed for today.
A total of 67 flights will be operated to take foreign nationals back to their home countries from Pakistan, whereas 50 such flights will be operated to bring back Pakistanis stranded abroad.
06:45pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — British high commissioner announces £2.67 million package for Pakistan to combat virus
05:50pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Special PIA flight bringing back 219 Pakistanis stranded in Indonesia
The government has announced that a special PIA flight carrying 219 stranded Pakistanis has left from Jakarta and will land in Karachi soon.
05:10pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab reports 55 more cases
Punjab government spokesperson Musarrat Cheema has said that the province's tally has risen to 3,465.
More than 3,700 tests were carried out in the last 24 hours.
04:48pm — Paris, France — Over 2.25 million coronavirus cases registered worldwide: AFP tally
More than 2.25 million coronavirus cases have been recorded worldwide, about half of them in Europe, according to a tally compiled by AFP at 1100 GMT from official sources.
A total of 154,188 deaths have been reported among the 2,251,695 cases.
In Europe, the hardest-hit continent, there are 1,115,555 declared infections and 97,985 deaths. In the United States, the country where the virus is progressing most rapidly, there are 706,779 cases including 37,079 fatalities.
The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections.
Many countries are testing only the most serious cases.
04:28pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Do not ignore other illnesses, says PM's focal person on coronavirus
Dr Faisal Sultan, the prime minister's focal person on coronavirus, has urged people to not ignore other illnesses in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.
"People should not ignore other diseases. They should not hesitate in coming to hospitals if they are suffering from a serious disease because this would have adverse implications on the health system ultimately," he said.
"Visit hospitals if you have legitimate health concerns after taking all precautionary measures."
3:45pm —Karachi, Pakistan — Sindh reports 138 more cases, one more death
According to Sindh government spokesperson, the province reported 138 new cases and one more death today. The provincial tally now stands at 2,355.
"In the last 24 hours, 11 people have recovered from corona in Sindh," he added.
The number of confirmed cases in the country now stands at 7,662.
3:30pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Govt, ulema agree upon congregational prayers policy in Ramazan
President Arif Alvi after on Saturday after consultation with the Ulema announced a 20 point policy for tarawih prayers during Ramazan.
“I need to make it clear, that everybody agreed to conduct tarawih under a uniform policy during Ramazan. Everybody, including the ulema, political leaders and provincial governments are all on the same page,” President Alvi said.
Here are the 20 points agreed upon:
1. No carpets or dariyaan (mats) to be laid down in mosques because the virus is airborne. Clean floors for prayers must be ensured.
2. If people want to bring prayer mats from home they may do so.
3. No gatherings after namaz/tarawih will be permitted.
4. If a mosque has an open area/garden it is preferable to conduct prayers there.
5. People over 50 years of age, children should not be allowed in mosques.
6. Everyone must follow the instructions of social distancing by WHO and other health experts.
7. Tarawih should not be conducted on roads, footpaths and anywhere else than the mosque premises.
8. People should continue to keep observing regular prayers at home.
9. Masjid, Imambargah floors should be washed with chlorinated water regularly.
10. There should be a six-feet distance during congregational prayers/
11. The mosque should form committees to ensure that people are abiding by the rules and decided SOPs.
12. Markers should be made on the floors of mosques and Imambargahs to guide people about the distance they should keep from others.
13. People should do ablution at home.
14. People must wear face masks when coming to mosques and maintain physical distance.
15. People must avoid handshakes.
16. Itikaf must be observed at home.
17. No one must prepare or hold Sehri and Iftaar in mosques.
18. Mosque committees should be in constant contact with the provincial government.
19. Mosques committees are allowed to conduct tarawih under these SOPs.
20. If during Ramazan, government authorities feel that the situation has got out of control and the number of cases surge, the authorities can review the decisions taken.
3:15pm —Tehran, Iran — Coronavirus total death toll rises to 5,031
Iran's death toll from the new coronavirus rose by 73 to reach 5,031 on Saturday, health ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpour said.
The number of death recorded daily is one of the lowest in recent days, he said. The total number of people diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease caused by the new virus reached 80,868, he said.
3:00pm — Quetta, Pakistan — Balochistan reports 8 more cases, nationwide tally rises to 7,524
The nationwide tally of confirmed cases in the country rose to 7,524 after Balochistan reported more cases.
According to the Balochistan government spokesperson, eight more cases were reported in the province, taking the tally to 359.
2:45pm — Karachi, Pakistan — CM Sindh meets trader delegation
Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab has said Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is meeting a delegation of traders to discuss various issues being faced by them due to the pandemic in the province.
Global coronavirus cases exceed 2.2 mln, death toll crosses 151,600
More than 2.23 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 151,657 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.
2:20pm — Jakarta, Indonesia — Country reports 325 new coronavirus cases
Indonesia reported 325 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, taking the total number of infections in the world's fourth most populous country to 6,248.
Health ministry official Achmad Yurianto also reported 15 new deaths, taking the total to 535.
On Friday, Indonesia surpassed the Philippines to become the country with the highest number of infections in Southeast Asia. It has the most number of deaths in Asia outside of China.
2:10pm — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — 54 new cases reported, 2 new deaths
Malaysian health officials reported 54 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, the lowest daily increase since the government imposed curbs on movement and business on March 18, taking the cumulative total to 5,305.
The health ministry also reported 2 new deaths, bringing total fatalities to 88.
1:50pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Pakistan extends suspension of flight operations till April 30
Pakistan has suspended its flight operation till April 30, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said on Saturday.
"As per the decision of the Government of Pakistan, the suspension of international and domestic flight operations as effected earlier has been extended upto Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 2359 hours PST," CAA said.
1:35pm — Moscow, Russia — Coronavirus death toll rises to 313
Russia said on Saturday its death toll from the novel coronavirus had risen to 313, an overnight increase of 40, as it posted a new record daily jump in new cases.
The authorities reported 4,785 new cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number to 36,793.
1:20pm — Karachi, Pakistan —Medical equipment by Pakistani diaspora in Singapore shipped to Karachi
The second consignment of medical equipment by Pakistani diaspora in Singapore has been shipped to Karachi to help Pakistan fight the coronavirus, reported Radio Pakistan.
The consignment carrying Personal Protective Equipment will reach Karachi in ten days where it will be handed over the National Disaster Management Authority for distribution to the healthcare professionals. The equipment includes Tyvek suits goggles, face shields, face masks and Isolation Gown.
The first consignment procured through the generous support of Pakistani community in Singapore was dispatched to NDMA on 28th of last month.
1:10pm — Singapore — Country reports 942 new cases in biggest daily jump
Singapore's health ministry confirmed 942 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, a new daily record, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the city-state to 5,992.
The vast majority of the new cases are of "work permit" holders living in foreign worker dormitories, the health ministry said.
PCB donates over Rs10 million to PM’s coronavirus relief fund
The Pakistan Cricket Board has donated over Rs10million to the Prime Minister’s COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Fund as part of its contribution in the fight against the pandemic.
The board had announced on March that the centrally contracted players will make a collective contribution in the emergency relief fund, while the PCB will separately match the contribution of its staff.
12:55pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Two Pakistani women who returned from India tested positive
Two Pakistani women returning from India have tested positive for coronavirus, reported Geo News.
According to Geo News, 41 Pakistanis had travelled to India and had returned to the country on Wednesday.
A state of emergency has been declared at Attari Immigration Counter after the two cases were reported. Staff and their families working at the counter have been shifted to a quarantine centre.
12:45pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab reports 19 more cases, nationwide tally rises to 7,516
Confirmed cases in the country rose to 7,516 after Punjab reported more cases.
According to the primary and secondary health department, 19 more cases were reported in the province to take the tally to 3,410.
12:30pm — Mumbai, India — 21 sailors test positive for virus
Twenty-one sailors of the Indian Navy in Mumbai have tested positive for coronavirus, reported NDTV on Saturday.
According to the publication, the sailors have been quarantined at a naval hospital in the city. The Navy has said that no officer or sailor serving onboard any warship or submarine has been infected.
The officials are now conducting massive 'contact tracing' operation to contain the virus spread. It was found that hat most of these cases were 'asymptomatic' and have been traced to a single sailor who was tested positive, IANS reported.
12:15pm — Tokyo, Japan — Confirmed Japan coronavirus cases hit 10,000
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Japan rose to 10,000 on Saturday, NHK public broadcaster said, just days after a state of emergency was extended to the entire nation in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.
Just over 200 people have died from the virus in Japan, but Tokyo remains the hardest-hit area, reporting 201 new infections on Friday alone — a new record.
Tokyo reported 181 new cases on Saturday, NHK reported.
12:00pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Mosques should follow discipline while organising Ramzan events: President Alvi
President Arif Alvi has urged mosques to follow discipline while organising events during the month of Ramzan.
“We will ask for forgiveness during this holy month,” President Alvi said while presiding over a meeting with the Ulema on Saturday.
“We have sought proposals from the provincial governments to incorporate their point of view while making a decision in this regard,” the president said.
11:45am — Shanghai, China — China mandates tests for key public workers leaving Wuhan
China ordered on Saturday that anyone in Wuhan working in certain service-related jobs must take a coronavirus test if they want to leave the city.
People in Wuhan work in nursing, education, security and other sectors with high exposure to the public must take a nucleic acid test before leaving, the National Health Commission said in an order.
The government of Hubei province, of which Wuhan is capital, will pay for the tests, the commission said.
People working in other sectors aiming to leave Wuhan are encouraged to take voluntary tests before going.
11:35am — Islamabad, Pakistan — Ulema hold consultative meeting to adopt strategy for prayers in Ramazan
A consultative meeting of the Ulema and Mashaikh is under way in Islamabad to adopt a strategy for prayer congregations and Taraweeh during the month of Ramazan.
A day earlier, President Arif Alvi held talks with Jamaat-i-Islami chief Senator Sirajul Haq, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith chief Senator Sajid Mir and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Rana Tanveer Hussain regarding congregational prayers, reported Radio Pakistan.
The president discussed matters pertaining to his scheduled meeting with religious scholars and Ulema to be held today.
Watch: Women in Mexico make face masks from palm leaves
11:20am — Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab govt decides against establishing ‘Ramazan Bachat Bazaars’
The Punjab government on Saturday announced it will not set up Ramazan Bachat Bazaars throughout the province due to the coronavirus outbreak.
In an announcement on Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the decision was taken keeping in mind the situation in the province.
“We will provincial financial aid to needy families through the Ramzan package,” Buzdar said.
11:10am — Lahore, Pakistan — 25 more patients recover from virus in Mayo Hospital
Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid has said 25 more patients have recovered from the virus at Lahore’s Mayo Hospital bringing the total to 168.
“We have extended the testing capacity in Punjab,” Rashid said. “Till now we have conducted 52,000 tests in the province.”
11:00am — Champions League final could be played on August 29: BBC
European football’s governing body (UEFA) is working on a proposal that could see the remainder of the Champions League condensed into a week-long mini-tournament with the final taking place on August 29 in Istanbul, the BBC has reported.
UEFA wants the Europa League final to be held in Gdansk on August 26 and the Champions League final played three days later, the report said
The Champions League final was originally scheduled to take place in Istanbul on May 30 and the Europa League final was due to be held in Gdansk three days earlier.
10:45am — Bangkok, Thailand — 33 new cases recorded, no new deaths
Thailand reported 33 new coronavirus infections, bringing the nation’s total to 2,733 cases, a senior official said on Saturday.
Eleven of the new cases were in Bangkok and had a history of going to public areas, a spokesman for the government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
No new deaths were reported and 1,787 people have recovered, he said.
10:30am — Islamabad, Pakistan — 62% of Pakistan's coronavirus cases are locally transmitted: NCOC
Around 62 per cent of Pakistan's total coronavirus cases are locally transmitted, data released by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) revealed on Saturday.
According to the NCOC, the remaining 38 per cent of the cases recorded in the country are of those with a foreign travel history.
Pakistan had reported 7,497 cases and 143 deaths from the virus so far.
10:20am — Frankfurt, Germany — Coronavirus cases rise by 3,609 to 137,439
Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases have risen by 3,609 to 137,439, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday, marking a fourth straight day of a spike in new infections.
The death toll has risen by 242 to 4,110, the tally showed.
10:10am — Islamabad, Pakistan – Nationwide death toll rises to 143
Death toll from the novel coronavirus rose to 143 in the country after five more deaths were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
KP has reported 50 deaths from the virus so far.
10:00am — Islamabad, Pakistan — Nationwide tally of confirmed cases rises to 7,497
The number of confirmed cases in the country rose to 7,497 on Saturday after new cases were recorded in Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the national dashboard, Islamabad reported nine new cases while 84 more cases were reported in KP.
Islamabad has now reported 163 cases while the number of cases in KP stands at 1,077.
9:50am — Washington, US — Trump announces $19bn aid for farmers, food buys for poor
President Donald Trump on Friday announced a $19 billion relief program to help US farmers cope with the impact of the coronavirus, including $16 billion in direct payments to producers and mass purchases of meat, dairy, vegetables and other products.
"American agriculture has been hard-hit, like most of America, with the coronavirus, and President Trump is standing with our farmers and all Americans to make sure that we all get through this national emergency," Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said at a White House news conference.
The $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers will include $9.6 billion for the livestock industry - with $5.1 billion for cattle and $2.9 billion for dairy.
Read more here.
9:40am — Karachi, Pakistan —Tandoors, bakeries to remain open from 8am to 5pm
Tandoor and bakeries shall remain open from 8am to 5pm in the city, Commissioner Karachi said on Saturday.
According to a notification, “Restaurants shall be opened only for home delivery from 8am to 5pm.”
All permitted businesses/workplaces shall be allowed to remain open as per specific timings mentioned by the government of Sindh, the notification added.
9:20am — Karachi, Pakistan — Commissioner Karachi makes face masks mandatory for those leaving homes
Commissioner Karachi has said all those leaving the house for valid reasons must wear a face mask at all times.
According to a notification, “Face masks are mandatory for all people who come out of the houses for a valid reason or are exempted during the lockdown. The face mask shall cover the nose, mouth and chin.”
“Sanitizing and cleaning hands after every activity and wherein necessary shall he strictly ensured,” it added.
Moreover, every worker shall be examined before entering into the workplace and if symptoms of flu, cough or fever are found, he/she may be referred to the hospital immediately.
9:10am — New York, US — US surpasses 700,000 cases, deaths top 35,000
The US on Friday passed 700,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to a tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University.
With the highest number of cases and deaths of any country in the world, the US had recorded 700,282 cases of COVID-19 and 36,773 deaths, according to the Baltimore-based university.
That marked an increase of 3,856 deaths in the past 24 hours, but that figure likely includes "probable" virus-linked deaths, which had not previously been counted.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave a toll Friday night of 33,049 dead, including 4,226 probable virus-linked deaths.
9:00am — Islamabad, Pakistan — Repatriation flights for stranded British-Pakistanis announced
The British government has announced the schedule for chartered flights run by Qatar Airways which will repatriate around 2500 stuck British citizens in Pakistan. Pakistan's national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also announced daily flights from Pakistan to the UK but has not announced the exact schedule yet.
According to Geo News, the chartered Qatar Airways flights from Islamabad to London will run on, April 21, 22, and 23, the flights from Islamabad to Manchester on April 24, 25, 26, and 27, while the flights from Lahore to London on April 22 and 24. A flight from Lahore to Manchester will run on April 26.
Read more here.
8:50am — Washington, US — Global coronavirus death toll crosses 150,000
The global death toll from coronavirus surged past 150,000 Friday as US President Donald Trump accused China of continuing to cover up its toll, even after Beijing revised figures sharply upward for Wuhan, the original epicenter of the global pandemic, AFP reported.
COVID-19 fatalities mounted in the United States and hard-hit Western Europe countries, but fresh data on rising infections and deaths in Africa showed the virus is leaving no continent uscathed in its global march.
Read more here.
8:40am — Geneva, Switzerland — WHO unsure antibodies protect against coronavirus, little sign of herd immunity
The World Health Organisation is not sure whether the presence of antibodies in blood gives full protection against reinfection with the new coronavirus, Mike Ryan, the WHO’s top emergencies expert, told a briefing on Friday, Reuters reported.
Ryan also said that even if antibodies were effective there was little sign that large numbers of people had developed them and were beginning to offer so-called “herd immunity” to the broader population.
8:30am — Beijing, China — 27 new coronavirus cases reported, death toll at 4,632 after data revisions
China’s National Health Commission reported 27 new confirmed coronavirus cases on April 17, up from 26 the day earlier, according to data published on Saturday, Reuters reported.
Of that figure, 17 cases were imported via individuals arriving overseas, up from 15 the previous day.
11:51pm/April 17 — Quetta, Pakistan — Balochistan govt spokesperson makes impassioned plea after cases rise to 'shocking' 351
Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani has pleaded the province's residents to "take care" after 46 new cases were reported of which 41 were locally transmitted.
"Local transmission pace is increasing rapidly. It's shocking [...] Oh my people, please take care," he wrote.
For our April 17 coronavirus coverage click here.
For our April 16 coronavirus coverage click here.
