PESHAWAR: Eighteen more people died of coronavirus in Pakistan during the last 24 hours, official statistics reveal.

Latest data shows that as many as 1,313 new cases of COVID-19 surfaced in the country over the last 24 hours after the tests of 26,565 people.

As many as 316,060 coronavirus patients have recovered in Pakistan and the number of active cases is 14,646.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the total toll of corona cases has reached 39,889. The death toll in KP has reached 1,281. As many as 113 more patients have recovered, taking the total tally to 37,804. Active corona cases in KP are 804.

Meeting of education ministers

A meeting of provincial education ministers has been called tomorrow (Thursday) to discuss strategy amid the growing cases of coronavirus in the country.

Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood will chair the meeting during which the scenario of coronavirus cases at educational institutions will be checked and then decision will be taken accordingly.

Sources said the meeting will discuss the timing for the winter vacations and make planning for the ongoing academic session. Decision about holding board exam or otherwise of middle standard students will also be taken.

No schools closure for now

Shafqat Mehmood in a latest statement has said the situation of coronavirus in Pakistan is not too dangerous yet to close all educational institutions.

In an interview, the minister said the government is keenly observing the situation in educational institutions, but has not yet taken any final decision to close them. He said government is doing coronavirus tests of all teachers and other staff in the educational institutions.

The minister said coronavirus cases are increasing in the country rapidly, therefore, people should strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to avoid the spread of the disease.

No lockdown in Pakistan

Prime Minister Imran Khan has already made it clear that Pakistan cannot afford another lockdown owing to the prevailing economic challenges.

He has directed the concerned authorities to ensure implementation of precautionary measures and find solutions to protect livelihood of people.

Minister for Planning Asad Umar has also said that such measures will be taken which make sure that the jobs of the people remain protected. He claimed that Pakistan’s economy is making progress despite the fact that economies in rest of the world are crippling due to coronavirus lockdowns.

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