Coronavirus Update: Infection rate rises again

By Mukhtar Alam
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Sindh’s rate of daily COVID-19 infections was again on the rise as the health authorities confirmed 2,430 new cases on July 2, with 31 related deaths, compared 2,139 new infections and 29 deaths registered on July 1.

Overall, the provincial tally of infections soared to 89,225, with a total 1,437 deaths on July 12. During a period from June 26 to July 2, Sindh generated an average 2,008 cases of coronavirus infections and 37 deaths daily. 

Keen observers attributed the rise in the infection rate to increased testing of suspected samples but expressed concerns over the deaths, saying both the hospitals and the provincial health hierarchy should take the issue as a challenge. “Four months were enough to understand the dynamics of the lethal virus.” 

In the meantime, according to an official study, the number of samples taken for COVID-19 test was 4,072 on June 19, which gradually dropped to 1,890 on June 28. In view of the poor sampling and testing, as per an official source, the director general of the Sindh health services had asked 24 district health officers, including three of Karachi districts, on June 28 to explain their position for showing disappointing performance on their part. 

There were a few districts which showed zero number of sample collection, the source revealed.

In a letter to Sindh health secretary on June 28, the provincial health director general had submitted names of nine district health officers of grade 19s and 20s, saying he was under directions to request initiation of disciplinary proceedings against them. 

According to the daily COVID-19 summary issued by the Sindh health department on July 2 evening, Karachi districts collectively registered 1,700 new cases during the last 24 hours, followed by Hyderabad (89), Dadu 58), Ghotki (55), Thatta (51), Benazirabad (48), Tando Allahyar (47), Larkana (47), Naushero Feroze (41), Tando Mohammad Khan (37), Sukkur (37), Khairpur (37), Shikarpur (35), Sujawal (30), Matiari (21), Badin (18), Jacobabad (16), Jamshoro (19), Sanghar (15), Umerkot (13), Mirpurkhas (11), Tharparkar (2), Kambar Shahdadkot (1) and Kashmore (1). 

Of the 31 COVID-19 deaths that occurred in Sindh during the last 24 hours ending at 9 am July 2, as many as 29 were reported from Karachi, including 20 men and 9 women. The deceased men were aged 35 to 94 years while women were in the age brackets of 55 to 75. In addition, a woman of 65 lost her life at Hyderabad, while a man, aged 77, died at Dadu.

As per the official report, 49,926 patients have recovered from the disease so far, while number of samples taken so far for COVID tests stood at 471,023.