Coronavirus updates, April 24: Latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic from Pakistan and around the world
Nationwide death toll jumps above 240, confirmed cases cross 11,500; over 2.7 million infected globally
Updated Friday Apr 24 2020
KARACHI/LAHORE/ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR/QUETTA: The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 11,736 on Friday after new infections were confirmed in the country.
The province-wise break up of the total number of cases as of 11:46pm, April 24, is as follows:
Total confirmed cases: 11,736
• Sindh: 3,945
• Punjab: 4,851
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 1,708
• Balochistan: 656
• Islamabad Capital Territory: 214
• Gilgit-Baltistan: 307
• AJK: 55
Deaths: 248
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 89
• Sindh: 75
• Balochistan: 10
• Gilgit-Baltistan: 3
• Punjab: 68
• Islamabad Capital Territory: 3
Officials have recorded more than 2.7 million cases and 190,000 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 24
Live updates for April 25 to continue here.
11:46pm — Peshawar, Pakistan — KP reports four deaths, whopping 167 new cases
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department has reported four more deaths in the province, taking the grim total to 89.
A sharp surge in the number of cases was also reported. The tally rose to 1,708 after 167 new cases were documented. Of these, 56 are said to be international passengers put up in quarantine centres.
11:07pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — PM Imran says nation has been 'elite-centric' in pandemic response
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the nation has largely been 'elite-centric' in its response to the pandemic, with no thought for daily wage earners "as we sought a total lockdown".
He has urged citizens to "lift our marginalised citizens out of poverty" by doing our part during Ramadan.
10:38pm — Peshawar, Pakistan — KP govt to make wearing masks in public mandatory
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health minister Taimur Khan Jhagra has announced that the province will make it mandatory for residents to wear masks in public.
"Wear a mask not just to protect yourself, but to protect others. Even a cloth mask will do," wrote Jhagra, in a statement on Twitter.
He said that research on the use of masks had been conducted and "now we are ready to recommend this to everyone".
Jhagra said that the provincial government will make preparations over the next 72 hours after which the "enforcement" phase will begin.
10:20pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Taraweeh to be offered at home as per sunnah: Sindh govt notice
09:40pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Former cricketer Sadiq Mohammad, wife test negative for COVID-19
Senator Murtaza Wahab has just shared the good news of Sadiq Mohammad and his wife testing negative for COVID-19.
A day prior, Wahab had been alerted to Mohammad and his wife having developed symptoms after which a team was sent to collect a sample for testing from the former cricketer's home.
08:50pm — Quetta, Pakistan — Balochistan reports two more deaths, 49 new cases
The Balochistan health department has reported the death of two patients who died while being treated for COVID-19. The total number of deaths in the province is now 10.
The province has also reported 49 new cases of COVID-19 and two more recoveries.
The total number of cases in Balochistan are now 656.
08:10pm — Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan — Region reports 7 more cases
The Gilgit-Baltistan health department has reported seven more cases in the region, taking the total number to 307.
One more recovery was also reported, taking the number of recoveries to 213.
07:19pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Human rights minister terms the notion that women are to blame for spread of COVID-19 'simply absurd'
07:09pm — Rawalpindi, Pakistan — Chinese doctors arrive to support Pakistan's efforts over next two months: ISPR
A group of Chinese doctors have arrived in Pakistan to support its "efforts in fighting against COVID-19 situation for the coming two months," a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations has said.
According to the statement, the team, which has "expertise in treating infectious diseases", is headed by Maj Gen Huang Qingzhen. Medical equipment and supplies have also arrived on two special aircraft, said the military's media wing.
"General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee along with senior military officials welcomed the team on arrival," the statement read.
It noted that the support extended to Pakistan by China "reaffirms that being ‘Iron Brothers’ and ‘All-Weather’ friends, Pakistan and China have always helped each other in the time of need".
06:55pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — PM's aide on health says his home will be his mosque this Ramadan
The prime minister's aide on health, Dr Zafar Mirza has wished everyone Ramadan Mubarak and announced his home will be his mosque this year.
"Good for me, good for you, good for all in the times of COVID-19," he wrote.
06:22pm — Islamabad, Pakistan — Nationwide lockdown extended to May 9: Asad Umar
The minister for planning and special initiatives, Asad Umar, in a press briefing has announced an extension in the nationwide lockdown to May 9.
Umar said that testing capacity throughout the country is being ramped up.
The minister said that 5.7 million families have been given monetary aid under the Ehsaas Programme so far.
06:10pm — Karachi, Pakistan — 'If something happens to doctors, who will take care of patients?'
A group of female doctors, in a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, have expressed deep concern over the relaxation in lockdown restrictions in the country in general and particularly in Sindh.
"The days on which a strict lockdown was in effect, there were fewer cases of the coronavirus," said Dr Safia.
Meanwhile, a teary-eyed Dr Nusrat said: "If something happens to doctors, who will take care of patients?"
"We do not fear for our lives. But who does not fear for their families?"
The doctors requested traders, who have been protesting a closure of their businesses, to consider absorbing losses in favour of saving mankind.
They urged the government to reconsider imposing a strict lockdown so the virus can be contained and lives saved.
5:57pm - Karachi, Pakistan — PIA flight carrying stranded Pakistanis from Malaysia lands in Karachi: sources
A special PIA special flight carrying stranded Pakistanis from Malaysia landed at the Karachi airport, sources told Geo News on Friday.
The 250 passengers are being screened at the airport and will be transferred to a quarantine centre in after being screened.
5:54pm - Karachi, Pakistan — Special PIA flight departs for Australia
A special PIA flight carrying more than 300 passengers has departed for Australia, said a spokesperson for the national carrier.
The spokesperson stated that it is the first time that a PIA flight will travel to Melbourne. The spokesperson added that a special flight will bring passengers back to the country on April 26.
Watch: Nuns sing for British health workers
5:40pm - Paris, France — Experts trash Trump idea of injecting disinfectant to treat virus
Experts on Friday dismissed as reckless and irresponsible US President Donald Trump's suggestion of injecting disinfectant to treat patients with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
"Is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside (the body)?", Trumps asked at his daily briefing Thursday, having said that disinfectant knocks out the virus "in a minute".
"Because, you see, it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs," Trump continued, apparently referring to disinfectant. "So it would be interesting to check that out."
In interviews and on social networks, doctors and others dismissed Trump's idea out-of-hand.
"This notion of injecting or ingesting any type of cleansing product into the body is irresponsible, and it's dangerous," Vin Gupta, pulmonologist and global health expert told NBC News.
"It's a common method that people utilise when they want to kill themselves."
Sunlight and bleach might kill the coronavirus on a park bench, but they can be harmful to the body
5:30pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — Chinese province sends prevention material to Punjab govt
5:25pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — NA Speaker Asad Qaiser calls on PM Imran Khan
National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at the PM Office and discussed the coronavirus situation in the country.
During the meeting, the speaker lauded the government for the steps taken by the government to stop the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
The speaker also briefed PM Imran on the coronavirus related steps taken by the lower house of the Parliament. He added that a parliamentary committee has been formed with parliamentary leaders for the coronavirus situation.
Speaker Qaiser also briefed the PM on the steps being taken to call a session of the National Assembly. He added that a committee led by Fakhar Imam will consult all the party leaders.
“Parliament’s role is very important to stop the spread of the virus,” PM Imran told the speaker. He added that the parliamentarians reflect the view of the people.
5:10pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — PM Imran says will implement track and trace system with help of ISI
Prime Minister Imran Khan has stated that the government will use the track and trace system with the help of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).
PM Imran, while talking to social media journalists, stated that the government will only lockdown those areas which coronavirus is present. He added that no country or international organisation has given a dollar to the country in the fight against coronavirus.
5:5pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — SAPM holds video conference with expats in UAE
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfikar Bukhari assured the expatriates in UAE that PIA is reducing its fare by 20% to 30% on the special flights to bring them back home.
The SAPM stated that the PIA ticket for flights to Peshawar, Islamabad and Lahore have been reduced to 1,110 dirhams. He added that the ticket for Multan is for 957 dirhams while the ticket for Karachi will cost 810 dirhams.
The SAPM also told them that they will prioritise on bringing back unemployed Pakistanis.
4:47pm - Paris, France — France limits sale of nicotine products after virus research
France on Friday limited the sale of nicotine substitutes to avoid stockpiling after research suggested the addictive substance could have the potential to protect people from contracting the coronavirus.
The government said that until May 11, when the country's lockdown is planned to gradually begin lifting, pharmacies would only be able to sell a maximum of one month's worth of products treating nicotine dependence, such as patches, chewing gum or lozenges.
The sale of such products online was suspended entirely.
The move was to "firstly prevent the health risks from excessive consumption or misuse linked to media coverage of the possible protective effect of nicotine against COVID-19," the government said in a statement.
"Secondly it guarantees continuous and appropriate supply to people requiring medical support to stop smoking."
Researchers at a top Paris hospital released a study on Wednesday examining nearly 500 coronavirus patients, finding that only five percent smoked — far less than the 35% in France's general population.
4:45pm - Tehran, Iran — Iran says no longer at 'red' status, reports 93 new virus deaths
Iran's health ministry said on Friday that the virus-hit country was no longer at "red" status as it announced another 93 deaths from its COVID-19 outbreak.
Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said the novel coronavirus fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours took Iran's overall death toll to 5,574.
Jahanpour also announced 1,168 new cases of coronavirus infection, taking the country's total to 88,194.
But he said that 66,596 patients had been released from hospital after recovering from the illness.
"None of our provinces are in the red, but warnings remain, and the situation will not be considered normal at all," he tweeted.
4:35pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — AJK President Masood Khan lauds NIH for its roles in coronavirus crisis
4:25pm - No professional cricket in England and Wales till July 1
4:20pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — People in Islamabad can approach doctors through mobile app after closure of OPDs
4:15pm - Peshawar, Pakistan — Doctors in KP also opposes decision to open up mosques in province
After Punjab and Sindh, senior doctor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Umer Ayub has warned that if the decision to open up the mosques is not revised then coronavirus patients will be found on the roads.
Dr Ayub, while addressing a press conference, stated that the situation in the country is very likely to turn worse and urged the religious scholars to revise their decision on holding Taraweeh prayers.
Dr Ayub warned that if the decision is not revised then patients will be found on the roads. He added that there was a need to enforce a lockdown for a month, and urged for the closure of unnecessary offices.
Dr Ayub also stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 's testing capacity was very low.
Watch: Tamil Nadu police find unique strategy to deal with lockdown violators
4:05pm - Madrid, Spain — Spain records lowest number of daily coronavirus deaths in over a month
Spain said on Friday the number of daily coronavirus-related fatalities fell to its lowest level in more than a month, with 367 deaths in the previous 24 hours.
That took total fatalities to 22,524 from 22,157 the day before, the health ministry said. The overall number of coronavirus cases rose to 219,764 from 213,024 the day before.
3:50pm - Rawalpindi, Pakistan — India has carried out 456 ceasefire violations since start of coroanvirus pandemic in Pakistan
Director General of Inter Services Public Relations Major General Babar Iftikhar stated that India has carried out 456 ceasefire violations since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in the country on February 26.
Maj-Gen Babar stated that whenever there have been internal problems in India it has held Pakistan responsible for it.
The DG ISPR also shared that Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a special conference of the at the GHQ. He directed the commanders to keep on carrying the routine training activities of the army and support the civil authorities in the fight against coronavirus.
Maj-Gen Iftikhar also shared that the Pakistan army has diverted all its resources in the help against the coronavirus. He shared that the Army Medical Corps has also called in its reservists. He added that the troops have also decided not to take the internal security allowance and divert it in the nation's fight against coronavirus.
Read more here.
3:40pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Death toll from coronavirus rises to 242
The death toll from the novel coronavirus rose to 242 in Pakistan on Thursday after Punjab reported three new deaths.
So far, the province has reported 68 deaths from the virus.
3:40pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab reports 84 new cases, nationwide tally rises to 11,513
Punjab on Thursday reported 84 cases of the virus to taking the provincial tally to 4,851.
The number of confirmed cases in the country now stands at 11,513.
3:40pm — Lahore, Pakistan — Number of virus recoveries rise to 2,589
Another 20 recoveries from the novel coronavirus were reported in Punjab during the past 24 hours, taking the provincial tally to 925.
The total number of recovered patients in Pakistan has risen to 2,589 as a result.
3:30pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Death toll from coronavirus rises to 239
The death toll from the novel coronavirus rose to 239 in Pakistan on Thursday after Sindh reported two new deaths.
So far the province has reported 75 deaths from the virus
2:50pm - Lahore, Pakistan — Railways minister to hold iftar party despite lockdown
Railways Minister Shaikh Rashid invited journalists for an iftar party despite the ongoing lockdown imposed in the country due to the coronavirus.
According to the spokesperson of railways, the party will be held at Railways Mayo garden, adding that social distancing will be maintained during the party. He added that the expenses for the party were being paid by the minister, not from the government budget.
2:45pm - Lahore, Pakistan — Union leaders say utility store employees not being provided with protection equipment
Union leaders of utility stores have said that they are not being provided with any protective equipment to work during the coronavirus pandemic.
Chairman of the utility stores employees association Nadeem Iqbal stated that the doctors were getting a double pay but they were not getting a single penny more than they earn. He added that they were demanding their legitimate demands.
2:35pm - Lahore, Pakistan — Punjab speaker asks provincial govt to release funds for lawyers
Punjab Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Elahi has asked the provincial government to issue a fund for lawyers at once.
The speaker stated that there was no use of issuing the funds without delay as the lawyers can neither do any business nor any work. He added that the world was affected by the pandemic and every sector in the country was affected by the virus.
2:25pm - MD utility stores says no reason for employees to go on strike
Managing Director of Utility Stores Corporation Umar Lodhi has stated that valid demands of the employees have been accepted and there was no reason for them to go on strike now.
Lodhi stated that board has also given them assurances in writing. He added that the union’s decision to go on a strike a day before Ramadan was inexplainable.
The MD also explained that they were planning to bring the utility stores in the list of essential items so no one can close the stores abruptly.
2:20pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — Friday prayers held at Faisal Mosque
Friday prayers at the Faisal Mosque was done without any prayer mats and with social distancing between the people.
2:13pm - Jakarta, Indonesia — Indonesia reports 436 new coronavirus cases, biggest daily jump
Indonesia reported its biggest daily jump in coronavirus infections after identifying 436 new cases, taking the total to 8,211, data provided by health ministry official Achmad Yurianto showed on Friday.
Forty-two more people who had tested positive for the virus died, taking the total number of deaths to 689, according to the data.
2:10pm - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Malaysia reports 88 new coronavirus cases and one new death
Malaysian health authorities on Friday reported 88 new coronavirus cases and one more death.
That brought the cumulative total to 5,691 cases in Malaysia, with the daily rise remaining in double digits for the eighth straight day.
The country has now reported 96 fatalities due to COVID-19 since the outbreak began.
2:05pm - Karachi, Pakistan — CM chairs meeting on SOPs for businesses during Ramadan
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah chaired a meeting to decide on the SOPs for businesses during Ramadan.
The CM announced that home delivery service will not be available during Sehri. He added that home delivery service will be available from 5pm to 10pm.
Murad also said that grocery shops will remain open from 8am till 5pm daily.
2:00pm - Cairo, Egypt — Grand Imam of Al-Azhar asks people to perform fast and pray at home
The grand imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayyeb, on Thursday urged people to perform daily prayers and Taraweeh prayers at home with family during Ramadan because of the coronavirus pandemic, reported Egyptian news organization Ahram Online.
According to the publication, in a televised message the imam expressed his pain and sorrow at the suspension of prayers in mosques due to the outbreak, saying, "we receive Ramadan this year in a difficult atmosphere."
El-Tayyeb also called on Muslims to rely on God to lift this "ordeal." He added that fasting during the holy month is "obligatory" for anyone free of "legitimate justifications" not to fast, including illness.
1:50pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — Pakistan's global response for coroanvirus will help increase country's testing capacity: FM Qureshi
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated that Pakistan’s global plan to deal with the pandemic launched on Thursday will help increase the testing capacity of the country.
The foreign minister passed the remarks during a meeting with Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar in Islamabad. Qureshi told Umar that developing nations are getting more affected by the pandemic due to their economic problems.
Qureshi also told Umar that the pandemic has sent negative shockwaves in the entire world.
1:35pm - Manila, Philippines — Philippines' coronavirus infections top 7,000
The Philippines’ Health Ministry on Friday reported that confirmed cases of the new coronavirus have risen to more than 7,000.
In a bulletin, the ministry recorded 211 new infections, 15 additional deaths and 40 more recoveries. It brought the total cases to 7,192, deaths to 477 and recoveries to 762.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday extended a strict lockdown in the capital Manila until May 15 to try to contain coronavirus infections, but will ease restrictions in lower-risk regions.
1:33pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Sindh reports 274 new cases, nationwide tally rises to 11,429
Sindh on Thursday reported 274 new cases of the virus to taking the provincial tally to 3,945.
The number of confirmed cases in the country now stands at 11,429.
1:33pm — Karachi, Pakistan — Number of virus recoveries rise to 2,569
Another 42 recoveries from the novel coronavirus were reported in Sindh during the past 24 hours, taking the provincial tally to 772.
1:25pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — Prices of goods being monitored, says minister
1:20pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — NA committee formed for holding virtual session approaches parliamentary leaders of parties
The National Assembly Committee formed to deliberate on holding a virtual session of the lower house has decided to approach parliamentary leaders of parties for consultation.
Chairman of the committee Syed Fakhar Imam, in a letter, told the leaders, that the committee in its last meeting on April 21 had decided to hold the session in person rather than virtually. He added that in the upcoming meeting the panel seeks to discuss the agenda and process for holding the session with the parliamentary leaders.
1:07pm - Global death toll passes 190,000
1:05pm - Moscow, Russia — Russia's coronavirus case tally nears 70,000
Russia on Friday reported 5,849 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its nationwide tally to 68,622.
Sixty people with the virus died overnight, pushing the death toll to 615, Russia’s official crisis response centre said.
1:00pm - London, UK — British PM Johnson in 'incredible' shape after COVID-19, says Trump
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in ‘incredible’ shape after falling gravely ill with COVID-19, US President Donald Trump said, as speculation mounted that the British leader is preparing to return to work to decide how to lift the lockdown.
Johnson, 55, spent three nights in intensive care at a London hospital earlier this month with COVID-19 complications for which he was treated with oxygen. He later said he owed his life to the hospital staff.
“He sounded incredible,” Trump said of how Johnson sounded on a call earlier this week. “He was ready to go.”
“It’s like the old Boris,” Trump said. “He’s doing great.”
12:55pm - Islamabad, Pakistan — SAPM Dr Nishtar says will try to connect with as many field offices as possible
12:53pm - Nicosia, Cyprus — Cyprus extends coronavirus flight ban to May 17
Cyprus extended a ban on commercial air traffic until May 17 on Friday to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The ban, first introduced on March 21 and extended by decrees since then, would now extend from April 30 to May 17, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said in a tweet, citing a decision by the island’s cabinet.
Cyprus has recorded 795 cases of COVID-19 and 13 deaths as a direct result of the virus, according to data from the island’s Health Ministry released on Thursday.
The country has imposed restrictions on movement, including a night curfew and allowing people to leave their homes only once a day with a special permit.
12:50pm - Peshawar, Pakistan — Provincial coronavirus task force to meet today at 2pm
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has summoned a meeting of the provincial coronavirus taskforce at 2pm today, said a notification issued by the CM house.
During the meeting, the KP CM will review the coronavirus situation in the country and deliberate on the steps needed to ensure that social distancing is followed during Ramadan.
12:45pm - US Secretary of State Miike Pompeo ‘amazed’ by work of Pakistani volunteer
12:43pm - Global cases cross 2.7 million, deaths cross 189,000
The number of Reported cases of the coronavirus have crossed 2.7 million globally and 189,970 people have died, according to a Reuters tally.
12:40pm - Singapore — Singapore records 897 new infections
Singapore registered 897 new coronavirus infections on Friday, taking its total number of cases to 12,075.
The health ministry said the vast majority of the new cases were migrant workers residing in dormitories, many of which are under government-ordered quarantine due to mass outbreaks.
The island of 5.7 million people now has one of the highest infection rates in Asia, according to official figures, behind only China, India and Japan.
12:35pm - Quetta, Pakistan — DG health says 11 districts will be able to carry out tests in the near future
Director General of Health Dr Saleem Abro has said that 11 districts in Balochistan will be equipped to carry out tests in the coming days.
The DG urged the people to follow the instructions issued by the government and practice social distancing. He added that the infections are spreading at the local level as well.
The DG Health said that close to 20 doctors in the province have been affected by the coronavirus and some have recovered from it as well.
12:35pm - Chaman, Pakistan — Test samples taken of drivers returning from Afghanistan
District Health Officer of Chaman Dr Rafiq shared that 125 Pakistani drivers have been quarantined after the reopening of the Pak-Afghan border.
The official stated that the samples for the coronavirus have been taken of the drivers and they await the test results of the drivers.
Meanwhile, customs officials have shared that the Pak Afghan transit containers have been allowed to travel to Afghanistan.
12:10pm - Lahore, Pakistan — Traders ask provincial minister to let businesses open up for limited time and rotational basis
Businessmen in Punjab requested provincial minister for Industries, Commerce and Investment Aslam Iqbal to open markets in the province for a limited time and on a rotational basis
The traders also demanded the minister to suspend bank instalments on loans and concessions on electricity bills. They urged the government to develop SOPs and let the small businesses to resume their activities in the province.
During the meeting, the minister told the businessmen that a unified policy was being developed for the resumption of businesses across the country.
12:00pm - Lahore, Pakistan — Resumption of passenger trains delayed once again
Government has once again decided to delay the resumption of trains across the country after it had announced that services for passenger trains will resume on April 25, confirmed sources in the railways ministry.
The ministry had announced the suspension of railway services in the country due to the lockdown in the country. The sources stated that the service will resume after PM Imran approves the recommendation.
11:55am - Utility stores shut down countrywide after employees go on strike
Utility stores in many parts of the country have been shut down after the employees went on a strike due to the management’s failure to listen to their demands.
The workers are demanding that the temporary employees should be made permanent and their dues should be cleared.
11:45am - Quetta, Pakistan — Quetta mosques start preparing to open up for Taraweeh and daily prayers
Mosques in Quetta have started making arrangements for the Taraweeh and daily prayers in line with the government SOPs.
Many mosques have removed the rugs set for those coming into pray and also set marks for maintaining social distancing between people during the prayers.
11:30am - Lahore, Pakistan — LHC disposes plea challenging suspension of online classes
The Lahore High Court on Friday disposed of a petition seeking the suspension of education institutions decision to carry out online classes.
Justice Aisha Malik had reserved her decision on the maintainability of the petition filed by Advocate Azhar Siddiqi. The petitioner had contended that not every student has access to the internet and was seeking the suspension of the online classes.
11:25am - Islamabad, Pakistan — PM to chair NCC meeting today: sources
Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned a meeting of the National Coordination Committee today, sources told Geo News.
The provincial chief ministers will participate in the meeting through a video link, while representatives from AJK and Gilgit Baltistan government will also join the meeting.
According to sources, chairman NDMA and SAPM on health Dr Zafar Mirza will brief the NCC on the coronavirus measures being taken in the country. They added that Prime Minister Imran Khan will also be briefed on the difficulties being faced for the opening of the industries in the country.
11:15am - US CDC reports 828,441 coronavirus cases, 46,379 deaths
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday reported 828,441 cases of the novel coronavirus, an increase of 25,858 from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 1,804 to 46,379.
The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by a new coronavirus, as of April 22, compared with its count a day earlier.
The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states.
11:10am - Peshawar, Pakistan — KP’s KMU testing lab authorised to carry out pool tests: Taimur Jhagra
Watch: Cellist entertains neighbours in Paris
11:00am - Islamabad, Pakistan — Pakistan approached by Chinese company for trial of vaccine, says SAPM Dr Mirza
10:55am - Berlin, Germany — Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 2,337 to 150,383
Germany’s confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 2,337 to 150,383, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday - a slight deceleration after three straight days of new infections accelerating.
On Thursday confirmed coronavirus cases had increased by 2,352.
The reported death toll rose by 227 to 5,321, the tally showed on Friday.
10:50- Bangkok, Thailand — Thailand reports 15 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths
Thailand reported on Friday 15 new coronavirus cases and no new deaths, bringing the total number of cases since its outbreak in January to 2,854 cases and 50 deaths.
Of the new cases, nine were linked to previous cases and two had no known links.
Four other new cases were reported from the southern province of Yala where the authorities are aggressively testing the population because of high infection rates there, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, a spokesman for the government’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
Since the outbreak 2,490 patients have recovered and gone home.
10:45am - Peshawar, Pakistan — KP carried out more than 1,000 tests on Thursday: Health minister
10:25am — London, United Kingdom — Banksy's 'Girl with a Pierced Eardrum' gains a coronavirus face mask
10:05am — Karachi, Pakistan — Restrictions on prayer congregations remain in place: police officials
Police officials on Friday said that the restrictions on prayer congregations across the province were still in place despite the federal government's decision to ease a lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
According to police officials, the lockdown had been eased but would be strictly enforced during Friday prayer timings to discourage large gatherings as the number of virus cases across the country rise.
9:55am — Karachi, Pakistan — Checkpoints across city reduced to ease traffic flow
Police officials on Friday said that they had reduced the number of checkpoints across the city in a bid to ease traffic flow ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Officials added that two lanes for traffic had been reopened on busy thoroughfares. However, officials advised people to avoid venturing outside to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
9:25am — New York, United States — Facemasks can help protect against virus in a variety of ways
9:20am — Islamabad, Pakistan — Local transmission accounts for 79% of virus cases across country: NCOC
The local transmission of the novel coronavirus in Pakistan on Friday reached 79%, with foreign travel accounting for the other 21% of the spread of the epidemic in the country.
According to the National Command and Operations Centre, 131,365 tests for the virus were conducted on Thursday. 111 patients were said to be in critical condition as the update was shared.
