Pakistan: COVID-19 – Situation Update as of 31 March 2020
Highlight
- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan has risen to 1865 as of 31 March. Increase of 240 new cases in the last 24 hours.
- Pakistan witnessed highest rate of mortality in last 24 hours (7 deaths).
- The most affected province due to COVID-19 virus is Punjab 652, followed by Sindh 627.
- An emergency 300 bedded hospital is being set-up in train coaches at Rawalpindi Railway Station. The train will act as a mobile hospital and will be immediately moved to the areas where the urgent need arises.
- 2000 doctors, paramedics and other support staff are being hired by the Government of Punjab to perform duties at the emergency hospital set-up at the Expo Centre in Lahore.
- One-window operation with designated telephone line has been established at the NDMA to provide PPE for the public sector hospitals in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
- Foreign Office informed that a joint proposal from Pakistan's health ministry and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will be shared with the international community for funding.
- The Asian Development Bank has approved a $2 million grant to support Pakistan's efforts to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
- Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal informed that around 100,000 Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) will reach country in next week.