According to the National Institute of Health, 679 new coronavirus cases were reported over the past 24 hours. A total of 166 patients are on critical care.

All the reported deaths in the past 24 hours have been from Sindh.

The positivity rate in other cities of Pakistan has been recorded as follows:

• 8.27% in Lahore
• 6.50% in Islamabad
• 5.88% in Muzaffarabad
• 5.88% in Sukkur
• 4.60% in Gilgit
• 3.52% in Faislabad
• 3.23% in Sarghoda
• 2.92% in Peshawar

Covid has been on the rise in the country over the past few months. It is suspected that Omicron's sub-variant is spreading in Pakistan. Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 35,000 people have lost their lives all over the country.

In light of the rising cases, the WHO has recommended people avoid the three Cs: crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined places with poor ventilation.

The Sindh Health Department has advised people over 60 years of age to get their Covid-19 booster shots as soon as possible.

SOPs for Muharram

The NCOC has issued SOPs for religious congregations (majalis) and processions during Muharram, which begins in a little over a week.

Those attening such gatherings are required to maintain social distancing, with the guidelines advise the use of masks and sanitisers.

People above 65 years of age and children should stay away from the crowd.

The NCOC has urged people to hear the sermons through livestream. It has advised that such religious gatherings should be held in open spaces.

In cases where majalis are held indoors, ventilation must be ensured.