Coronavirus Live Updates, May 4: Situation in Pakistan

Latest updates on COVID-19 from Pakistan.

Pakistan has recorded 20,186 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and deaths of 462 patients, whereas, 5,590 patients have recovered so far.

Have a look at numbers of COVID-19 confirmed cases, recovered patients and death toll in Pakistan:

In nationwide measures to contain the possible outbreak, the government has ordered shutdown of all educational institutes till 31st May. Countrywide lockdown has been extended till 9th May.

CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS:

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear. The main symptoms to look out for are:

WAYS TO PREVENT COVID-19:

Avoid handshakes and wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.

Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.

Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).

Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Do not travel if you develop any illness symptoms.

Read More: WHO describes coronavirus outbreak as pandemic

Read More: What really works for protection against coronavirus?

Read More: Coronavirus in perspective

Read More: Flu and coronavirus: Similar symptoms, different fears

Read More: Dispelling myths and misconceptions about coronavirus

May 4, 2020: Confirmed Cases Cross 20,000

Total 20,186 cases have been confirmed so far. Death toll reaches 462.

May 3, 2020: Number of Cases Exceed 19,000

Number of confirmed cases increased to 19,114 as 989 new COVID-19 cases were reported from across Pakistan. Death toll rise to 462.

May 2, 2020: Death toll reaches 440

Number of confirmed cases increased to 19,103 as 1,297 new COVID-19 cases were reported from across Pakistan. Death toll rise to 440.

May 1, 2020: 18,114 Confirmed Cases

Number of confirmed cases increased to 18,114 as 1,297 new COVID-19 cases were reported from across Pakistan. Death toll rise to 417.

April 30, 2020: Coronavirus infects 15,759 in Pakistan

Death toll from coronavirus rises to 346 as coronavirus infects 15,759 in Pakistan

Sindh govt decides to ease lockdown restrictions

PM Iman, Iranian President, Bill Gates discuss COVID-19 crisis

April 29, 2020: Coronavirus cases surge to 14,885

Death toll rises to 327 as coronavirus infects 14,885 in Pakistan

Pakistan registers its deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic with 26 deaths within 24 hours.

PIA flight brings back 286 more stranded Pakistanis from Dubai

April 28, 2020: Coronavirus cases cross 14,000 mark

Death toll rises to 312 as coronavirus infects 14,612 people in Pakistan

Governor Sindh Imran Ismail tested positive for coronavirus

Sindh cabinet approves 20 percent waiver in school fee

April 27, 2020: Coronavirus cases surge to 13,915

Death toll rises to 292 as coronavirus infects 13,915 people across Pakistan

Special PIA flight from Melbourne reaches Lahore

 April 26, 2020: Coronavirus infects 12,723 in Pakistan 

Death toll rises to 269 as coronavirus infects 12,723 people across Pakistan

Shops in Islamabad to remain closed after 5 pm

Chiniot becomes first Punjab district to defeat COVID-19

No Covid-19 vaccine under development in Pakistan: Zafar Mirza

April 25, 2020: Confirmed case rise to 12,644 in Pakistan

Death toll  rises to 268 as coronavirus infects 12,644 people across Pakistan

Federal govt extends lockdown till May 9

Punjab govt extends lockdown by another 15 days

Sindh govt prepares SOPs to be followed during Ramadan

KP doctors demand PM Imran to impose complete lockdown for Ramadan

April 24, 2020: Confirmed cases surge to 11,155 / Death toll stands at 237

Death toll rises to 237 as coronavirus infects 11,155 people across Pakistan

Sindh CM chairs meeting over SOPs for businesses during Ramzan

President again asks people to pray at homes

138 Pakistanis died of coronavirus abroad: FO

April 23, 2020: Coronavirus cases cross 11,000 mark

Death toll rises to 235 as coronavirus infects 11,057 people across Pakistan.

Pakistan has increased its testing capacity for coronavirus: FM Qureshi.

Grocery stores to remain open, restaurants to remain closed during Sehr and iftar.

PIA air hostess tested positive for COVID-19.

April 22, 2020: Coronavirus cases cross 10,000 mark in Pakistan

Death toll rises to 212 as coronavirus infects 10,076 people across Pakistan

PM launches Ehsaas Rashan Portal to support vulnerable segments

Pakistan Railways may resume train service from April 25: Sh Rasheed

April 21, 2020: COVID-19 cases in Pakistan surge to 9565

Death toll in the country has reached 201 as coronavirus continues its spread

President Arif Alvi says the country will overcome coronavirus by remaining united

Balochistan extends coronavirus lockdown till May 5

April 20, 2020: 8418 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pakistan

Death toll rises to 176 as coronavirus infects 8418 people across Pakistan.

PM appeals nation to stay at their houses as much as possible.

Pakistan starts repatriating UAE-based nationals stranded by coronavirus.

Sindh waives NOC condition for businesses exempted from lockdown.

April 19, 2020: Coronavirus cases rise to 8348

Death toll rises to 168 as coronavirus infects 8348 people across Pakistan.

Sindh govt decides not to use Tiger Force for relief campaign.

Govt introduces hoarding ordinance amidst coronavirus.

 April 18, 2020: Coronavirus infects 7638 in Pakistan

Death toll rises to 144 as coronavirus infects 7638 people across Pakistan

12 doctors, medical staff in KP become infected with coronavirus.

April 17, 2020: Confirmed cases exceed 7000 

Confirmed coronavirus cases have exceeded seven thousand as another 497 patients tested positive in the last 24 hours. Death toll has reached 135 as another 11 patients died today. 

Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed deep grief and sorrow over the deaths of Pakistanis living and working abroad due to coronavirus.

April 16, 2020: Coronvirus cases rise to 6919

Death toll rises to 128 as coronavirus infects 6919 people across Pakistan

Businesses nationwide take undue advantage of lockdown laxity

Second phase of Ehsaas program payments gets underway

 April 15, 2020:  Coronavirus cases cross 6,000 mark

Death toll rises to 111 as coronavirus infects 6383 people across Pakistan

Various industries exempted from lockdown reopen

Sindh Govt extends ongoing lockdown till April 30

April 14, 2020: Coronavirus infects 5837 people in Pakistan

96 reported dead, 5837 infected as coronavirus sweeps across Pakistan

Punjab govt has conducted 40,000 coronavirus tests: Dr Yasmin

Four more areas of Lahore sealed as coronavirus cases continue to surface

Passenger train operation to remain suspended till April 24

Corona infects six more doctors of Nishtar Hospital

April 13, 2020: 5496 Confirmed cases in Pakistan

Pakistan reports 93 deaths from coronavirus, 5496 infected cases

WHO provides coronavirus safety equipment to Pakistan: NDMA

Travel permission declared mandatory for COVID-19 recovered patients

 April 12, 2020: Confirmed cases rise to 5230

Coronavirus claims 91 lives, infects 5230 people in Pakistan

Sindh CM directs health department to start mobile testing facility

Combination of two drugs to have better results in treating corona patients: Dr Ata

 April 11, 2020: Confirmed cases cross 5000 mark

Coronavirus death toll in Pakistan rises to 86 with 5011 confirmed cases.

No shortfall of testing kits, machines in Pakistan: NDMA chief

Sindh reports 6 deaths, 104 new cases in last 24 hrs

Punjab govt to provide relief to farmers amidst coronavirus lockdown

Registration deadline for Corona Relief Tiger Force extended to April 15 

17 new coronavirus cases reported in Lahore s Chah Miran vicinity.

April 10, 2020: Death toll reaches 66  

Death toll has increased to 66 across Pakistan. Total confirmed cases reach 4695.

Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar where he was briefed about the coronavirus situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the steps taken to contain its spread.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, Minister of State Shehryar Afridi, Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation Sania Nishtar, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shah Farman and Chief Minister Mahmood Khan.

April 9, 2020: Distribution of cash begins 

The disbursement of cash assistance to the deserving families under Ehsaas Emergency Cash program has been started.

In a tweet, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Dr. Sania Nishtar said that in the first phase, disbursements are being made to Kafalat beneficiaries.

She said special arrangements have been put in place at the disbursement points to avoid the spread of the pandemic.

Under Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program, a sum of twelve thousand rupees each will be given to the deserving families facing financial problems due to coronavirus.

The government has allocated 144 billion rupees for this purpose.

The Special Assistant said that seventeen thousand payment points are being established across the country with special protective measures to facilitate payment of cash assistance.

She said the people can call our toll free number 0800-26477 for any query.

Overall confirmed cases in Pakistan have increased to 4489 with 63 deaths.

April 8, 2020: 4187 confirmed cases

Death toll rises to 58 in Pakistan with 4187 confirmed cases.

CM Sindh decides to tighten provincial lockdown

Sindh announces 20 percent fee waiver for students of private schools

 April 7, 2020: Pakistan confirms 4005 coronavirus cases

Coronavirus tightens grip on Pakistan with 54 deaths, 4004 total cases.

Notification to extend lockdown in Islamabad till April 14 issued.

 April 6, 2020: Confirmed cases surge to 3505 / Death toll stands at 51

Confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 3,505 with 51 deaths across the country.

Pakistan opens Torkham and Chaman borders for three days

Govt successfully controlled spread of coronavirus by imposing lockdown: Asad Umar

 April 5, 2020: 2899 confirmed cases in Pakistan

Pakistan has reported 45 deaths and 2899 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

KP govt allows food and medicine delivery for pets amid lockdown.

90 percent coronavirus patients asymptomatic: Dr. Yasmin Rashid

Pakistan to open Torkham, Chaman borders for four days from April 6.

April 4, 2020: Confirmed cases rise to 2818 / Death toll rises to 41

Death toll across Pakistan has reached 41 and total confirmed cases rose to 2818.

PIA partially restores its flight operation to United Kingdom (UK).

194 Pakistanis stranded in Turkey return to Pakistan.

April 3, 2020: Confirmed cases cross 2500

Number of confirmed cases rose to 2547 on Friday. 

Government has imposed ban on Friday congregational prayers at mosques across the country to control the spread of coronavirus.

April 2, 2020: Death toll rises to 31 

Death toll from coronavirus in Pakistan has increased to 31 with around 2291 confirmed cases. 

Two PIA flights carrying Canadians has left for Toronto from Lahore and Karachi today.

Another plane with medical equipment has arrived from China in Pakistan to aid the country to counter coronavirus.

April 1, 2020: Confirmed cases rise to 2071

Coronavirus cases rise to 2,071 in Pakistan on Wednesday.

At least 17 coronavirus-affected persons who had earlier tested positive for coronavirus in Quetta have recovered and tested negative.

PM Imran Khan has said that coronavirus situation in Pakistan is feared to aggravate however, the rate of rise in the cases may be gauged in one week time.

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has issued a new travel advisory to counter the coronavirus pandemic.

March 31, 2020: Confirmed cases rise to 1865 / Death toll rises to 26

Death toll across Pakistan has reached 26 as number of total cases rises to 1865.

Punjab decides to close stores by 5pm

Govt launches WhatsApp coronavirus helpline

 PM Imran creates coronavirus relief fund

Punjab approves Economic Aid package worth Rs10 Bn

March 30, 2020: Death toll Reaches 20 / News Cases Surface

Another five patients died in different areas today (Monday), taking death toll to 20 from across Pakistan. 

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said the provincial government took timely measures to counter the coronavirus pandemic and announced best package to provide relief to daily wagers.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif said tests at large scale and quarantine centers, separate from hospitals, are solution to the coronavirus epidemic.

March 28, 2020: Death toll reaches 11 

Death toll across Pakistan has reached 11 on Saturday. Number of total confirmed cases soar to 1420.

China s special plane carrying relief assistance to fight coronavirus has arrived in Islamabad.

March 27, 2020: Confirmed cases rise to 1296

Coronavirus cases rise to 1,296 in Pakistan on Friday after more cases were reported in Sindh and Punjab. 

Religious scholars from all schools of thought have urged people across the country to stay inside their houses and pray from home.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced to form a Corona Relief Tigers Force comprising volunteers who will assist government in prevailing situation.

March 26, 2020: Confirmed cases rise to 1179

Total confirmed cases in Pakistan have reached 1179 on Thursday. Another patient has died in Lahore, taking death toll to 9. 

Saudi Arabia has halted Hajj agreement with Pakistan until the situation in country gets better.

Govt launched app for e-policing, emergency services, domicile, ID card, land revenue record, arms licenses, registration of vehicles, payment of token taxes, issuance of birth and death certificates and various other facilities.

March 25, 2020: Confirmed Cases Reach 1022 / Death toll rises to 8

Total 1,022 coronavirus patients were confirmed on Wednesday as new cases continue to surface from across the country. 

Accordingly to Health Ministry, 21 have recovered so far and five patients are in critical condition.

March 24, 2020: 975 Poitive Cases / First Death in Lahore

Total confirmed cases in Pakistan have reached 975 on Tuesday.

10 more coronavirus patients recover in Sindh.

PM Imran announces Rs1200 billion economic package and cuts petrol price by Rs15.

Train operations suspended across Pakistan till March 31.

Schools in Punjab to remain closed till May 30.

Partial lockdown is being observed in Punjab.

57-year-old patient identified as Afrasiyab, who was admitted in Mayo Hospital, lost his life today.

March 23, 2020: 875 Positive cases / Death toll rises to 6

Another two patients have died on Monday, taking death toll across Pakistan to 6. Number of confirmed cases have reached 875.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Monday has given one-time permission to Qatar Airlines to bring back Pakistanis stranded in Doha due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar announced that that a lockdown will be imposed throughout the province for the next 14 days in order to control the spread of coronavirus.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the provincial cabinet.

March 22, 2020: Confirmed cases rise to 777 

Number of confirmed cases rose to 777 on Sunday. 

Dr Usama Riaz, who played a vital role in screening suspected patients in Gilgit-Baltistan, has passed away, according to Information Department.

Spokesperson of Balochistan government has confirmed first death of the province. 65-year-old Muhammad Ali, who was resident of Alamdar Road, was receiving treatment at Sheikh Zaid Hospital from four days.

Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan governments have imposed lockdown in the provinces from 12:00am tonight after the number of coronavirus cases escalated.

PM Imran Khan, while addressing the nation, said that complete lockdown in the country due to the coronavirus will badly affect the livelihood of poverty-stricken people as Pakistan does not have enough resources to provide free food to the people at their homes.

Shopping malls, restaurants and all recreational spots to remain closed for two days in Punjab from Saturday 9pm to Tuesday 9am.

Pharmacies, grocery stores, chakkis, tandoors, milk shops, petrol pumps, vegetable and fruit markets, chicken and meat shops will remain open. Restaurants only allowed takeway and delivery services.

Chaman-Spin Boldak border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been closed for trade after brief opening on the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

March 20, 2020: 483 Positive Cases / First Death in Sindh 

The Sindh government has on Friday confirmed first death of conronavirus patient, a 77-year-old man, in the province as the fatalities in Pakistan have risen to three.

The death has been verified by Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho. The victim was a resident of Karachi and had no travel history. He was admitted to hospital on Thursday in critical condition.

United States Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells on Friday has said that US will provide one million dollars to Pakistan under USAID programme to bolster monitoring and rapid response against coronavirus. Number of confirmed patients has reached 483.

While uging people to maintain social distancing to prevent coronavirus spread, Prime Minister Imran Khan ruled out lockdown in Pakistan.

Talking to senior journalists in Islamabad on Friday, he said since the country, with 25% of its people suffering from absolute poverty and the overall poverty at around 40%, could not afford lockdown of cities, the construction sector would be offered special incentives to keep the wheels of economy running and providing jobs to the labourers and daily wagers.

The prime minister, however, in response to a question said if required the government would enforce complete lockdown but would go step by step by initially closing down specific places with enhanced number of patients. 

March 19, 2020: 447 Cases Confirmed 

447 patients have tested positive across Pakistan since 26th February. Sindh has reported 245 cases, Punjab 78, Balochistan 81, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir 13 and 7 patients have been confirmed in Islamabad. 

So far, three deaths have been confirmed and five patients have recovered.

Pakistan Railways decides to suspend eight trains to Karachi.

Interior Ministry has closed Wagah Border for two weeks.

March 18, 2020: 259 Infected Patients / First Death Confirmed

Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose to 288 on Wednesday. Total patients tested positive for COVID-19 in Sindh are 208, Balochistan 16, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 19, Gilgit-Baltistan 13, Punjab 28 and Islamabad 4.

Government postpones all exams till June 1.

Death of a 90-year-old patient confirmed in Gilgit-Baltistan.

March 17, 2020: 237 tested positive 

Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose to 278 on Tuesday with 208 patients in Sindh, 16 in Balochistan, 16 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 3 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 26 in Punjab and 4 in Islamabad.

Pakistan Cricket Board has postponed Pakistan Super League 2020 with immediate effect and the two semi-finals and the final will be rescheduled for a later date.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the world community to consider writing off loans of developing countries like Pakistan to help them cope with the coronavirus.

March 16, 2020: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan surge to 137

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose to 137 after more people were diagnosed with the novel coronavirus disease across the country.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra in his latest tweet said that 15 out of 19 received in the province from Taftan have tested positive for the virus.

Meanwhile, new cases have emerged in Sindh after 15 new cases from Taftan are being confirmed in Sukkur. The total number of cases in the province has risen to 103.

March 15, 2020: Coronavirus cases rise to 52

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan has risen to 52.

In his latest tweet, Dr Zafar Mirza said, "We’ve increased our diagnostic capacity, and are now able to carry out #coronavirus test in 13 labs across the country."

He further said that the country s diagnostic capacity has been ramped up and now 13 labs can carry out screening tests for COVID-19.

March 15, 2020: Punjab confirms first case / Sindh reports 17 cases

Punjab has confirmed one case of coronavirus in Lahore, the Punjab Health Minister said on Sunday, marking the first recorded cases of the virus in the province.

According to Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, a 54-year-old man, who arrived in Lahore from UK on March 10, has contracted the viral disease.

Sindh government spokesperson Mutaza Wahab on Sunday reported that at least 13 pilgrims, who arrived in Sukkur from Iran, have tested positive for the virus, raising the tally in Sindh to 34.

Earlier today, Sindh Health Department confirmed four new cases of coronavirus in Karachi. Three out of four new patients returned from Saudi Araba few days back and one patient has no recent travel history.

March 14, 2020: 3 Discharged / 2 New Cases Surface

Three coronavirus patients in Pakistan have been discharged from hospitals after recovery and no fatalities in the country are reported so far. 

Another person tested positive for COVID-19 in Karachi, Sindh. 38-year-old patient came from Saudi Arabia. 

One more coronavirus patient reported in Karachi, Sindh. 

Prime Minister Imran Khan took to twitter to announce that he would be addressing the nation soon and taking the  people in confidence over the coronavirus pandemic.

In his tweet he wrote “I want to inform the nation I am personally overseeing measures to deal with COVID 19 and will address the nation soon.”

“I would advise people to follow safety instructions issued by our govt. While there is a need for caution there is no need for panic”, he said, adding that “We are alert to the dangers & have put in place sufficient protocols for the safety and health of our people. The WHO has commended our efforts as being amongst the best in the world.”

March 13, 2020: Toll Reaches 28 

In a press conference on Friday, Special Advisor to Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed that number of patients infected with COVID-19 has increased to 28.

National Security Committee meeting presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan decided to keep all educational institutions closed till 5th April. 

Pakistan Day parade cancelled over coronavirus fears.

PCB has rescheduled PSL 2020.

March 11, 2020: Second Case in GB

A spokesperson for Gilgit-Baltistan government confirmed second coronavirus case in the region. The patient, a 14-year-old hails from Skardu, the spokesperson added.

Number of confirmed patients in Pakistan rise to 20.

March 10, 2020: Jump in Number of Patients

Positive cases of the coronavirus in Pakistan had more than doubled, taking the total tally to 19.

March 8, 2020: Seventh Case / One Patient Recovers

State Minister of Health Zafar Mirza confirmed one more case of the coronavirus in Karachi, taking the total tally in Pakistan to seven.

However, Mirza said one patient tested positive for the virus had already recovered.

March 6, 2020: Sixth Case Confirmed

Sixth case of coronavirus confirmed in Pakistan. Patient belongs to Sindh province.

March 3, 2020: Fifth Case Confirmed 

5th COVID-19 case confirmed in federal areas.

March 1, 2020: Scanners Installed at Airports

Executive Director at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Major-General Aamir Ikram, on March 1 said that Pakistan had installed five new state-of-the-art scanners at airports around the country to screen for possible cases of the coronavirus.

February 29, 2020: Two More Coronavirus Cases

Two more cases of coronavirus confirmed in the country, taking the total tally in Pakistan to four. 

"I can confirm 2 new cases of #coronavirus disease have been diagnosed today in Pakistan. 1 in Sindh and 1 in Fed areas. These patients are being handled according to clinical protocols. Contact tracing has started and we will make sure all concerned are taken well care off," he wrote on Twitter.

February 28, 2020: Online Platform

The health ministry, in partnership with the National Information Technology Board, planned to launch an online platform for questions related to the disease.

"We are also launching an online #coronavirus platform for FAQs about the disease. Please go to http://app.nhsrc.gov.pk for more info and help spread this among your friends, family https://img.dunyanews.tv/imagesand followers," Zafar Mirza wrote on Twitter.

February 27, 2020: Coronavirus Helpline

State Minister of Health announced that the government was launching a helpline for the public to report suspected cases of the coronavirus across the country. If there are symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty in breathing - please report by calling at 1166.

February 26, 2020: First Two Cases Confirmed

State Minister of Health Zafar Mirza has confirmed first two cases of coronavirus in Pakistan.

February 23, 2020: Statement on Iran Situation

State Minister of Health Dr Zafar Mirza said Pakistan was concerned about the outbreak of the coronavirus in Iran that had resulted in five deaths in the holy city of Qom.