Pakistan: Coronavirus tally will be over 50K by end-April

ISLAMABAD: More than 50,000 people in Pakistan are expected to be infected by Covid-19 by the end of this month, a report submitted by the government in the Supreme Court (SC) has said.
The report was submitted by the ministry of national health services, regulation and coordination (NHSRC) on Saturday before the SC bench, which was hearing a petition filed against an order by the Islamabad high court on March 20 on the release of undertrial prisoners.
The ministry informed the court that its projections may change, as they are based on trends in other countries. “These projections should only be taken as an indicator and are not meant for any disclosure, as it might create unrest,” the ministry submitted.
“The number of Covid-19 cases may top 50,000 by April 25. Some 2,392 of those infected might be in critical condition needing intensive care, 7,024 in serious condition, and 41,482 others who would have mild infection and just require self-isolation at their homes,” the report stated.
It said that after 35 days, the confirmed virus cases in Pakistan are very low, compared to Europe and Iran. The report underscored that there is need to ensure implementation of burial protocols and training for burial workers and religious leaders.
The latest figures put out by the government show that Covid-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 3,132 on Sunday — with 1,380 in Punjab, 881 in Sindh, 383 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 189 in Balochistan, 206 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 79 in Islamabad, and 15 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The death toll has risen to 45, while 211 people have recovered from the infection so far.