ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has expressed concerns over the growing number of Covid-19 cases in Karachi and appreciated the measures taken by the Sindh government to curb the spread of the virus.

Chairing a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar said that the Centre is keeping a close eye on the situation in Sindh.

During the meeting, the minister appreciated the measures taken by the Sindh government to curb the spread of the virus.

Asad Umar extended full support to the Government of Sindh on behalf of the Centre in dealing with the alarming coronavirus situation in the province.

The meeting expressed concern over the pressure on the health system and violations of Corona SOPs.

According to NCOC, the Covid-19 positivity ratio has reached 26.32 percent in Karachi. The city also has 980 patients in critical care – the highest since the start of the pandemic, according to as per Pakistan’s Covid-19 monitoring and response body, the NCOC.

Mean while Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the authorities in Karachi to impose a complete ban on movement in the city after 6:00 pm as the COVID positivity ratio has jumped over 26 percent in the metropolis.

CM Shah directed the additional IG police and commissioner Karachi to ensure timely closure of the markets, tuition centres and private gyms which are still operating.