With casualties from Covid-19 continuing to mount across the country, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has issued guidelines for the upcoming Christmas events to prevent the spread of the virus.
In another development, the staff of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad, where over 100 critical Covid-19 patients are under treatment, may suspend the service at the coronavirus ward in the upcoming week.
According to data issued by the NCOC, 87 deaths and 3,179 new cases were reported with 279 ventilators in use throughout the country.
In Multan, 46% of the vents allocated for Covid-19 patients were occupied, 41% were in use in Islamabad, 34% in Lahore and 21% in Peshawar.
Terming events related to Christmas a major challenge, the NCOC announced guidelines to mitigate person-to-person spread of the virus.
“Christmas events could amplify the transmission of the virus and potentially disrupt the country’s response capacity. With the pandemic in full rage, the safest thing that can be done during this Christmas holiday is to stay home.
“There should be limited in-person contacts during holiday preparations and celebrations. Precautions are required by public, especially the Christian community, to protect themselves and prevent transmission,” the centre said.
It asked people to undertake minimal necessary travel during the holidays.
“Social visits during the holidays and family get-togethers should be avoided. Christmas shopping should only be restricted to minimal essentials and crowding in markets is not advisable. Traditional gift exchange and large-scale home gatherings are likely to increase transmission so they should also be avoided,” it said.
The NCOC has advised to limit duration of events and regularly disinfect Christmas trees and decorations in public places.
Children dressed as Santa Claus ride on a camel cart at a rally ahead of the Christmas celebrations in Karachi. (AFP)
