Pakistan hits new coronavirus peak since mid-July

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan on Saturday saw the highest single-day deaths, and new coronavirus cases since mid-July, according to the official data.

The country, which wrestles to contain a second wave of COVID-19, recorded 2,843 fresh infections, pushing the total caseload to 371,508, including 328,931 recoveries, while the number of active cases stood at 34,974.

The previous daily infection record since July was 2,738, registered on Friday.

Another 42 people died from the novel coronavirus over the last 24 hours, the highest single-day toll since July 15. The fresh fatalities pushed the death toll to 7,603.

The country has recorded over 35,000 cases this month, following the looming flu season.

Pakistan was one of the countries where coronavirus cases started to significantly drop in mid-July.

The single-day tally that once hit nearly 7,000 plunged to 264 on Aug. 30, prompting the government to completely ease the months-long lockdown. The daily death toll also fell to a single digit.

Cases and fatalities have started to rise following the reopening of schools, cinemas, and other entertainment venues, in addition to the lifting of a ban on big weddings in September.

Authorities, in an attempt to contain the fresh wave of infections, has re-imposed “smart” lockdown restrictions, including a ban on political rallies, and indoor weddings and public gatherings, in addition to closure of cinemas and theaters.

The government is also considering announcing winter vacations in educational institutes before the schedule.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, though, has rejected the possibility of returning to a complete lockdown, insisting it would ruin Pakistan’s already tottering economy.