At least 961 Covid-19 cases were reported over the last 24 hours, the lowest since January 4, as the National Command and Operation Centre removed coronavirus-induced restrictions in three cities after the decline in the positivity ratio.

According to the NCOC tweet on Tuesday, “Statistics 22 Feb 22: total tests in last 24 hours: 38,139; positive cases: 961; positivity %: 2.51%; deaths: 13; patients on critical care: 1,261.”

The latest Covid update showed the weakening signs of the new variant of Covid amid the outbreak of sub-variant of Omicron around the world. However, medical experts – including the World Health Organisation – have always stressed the need to follow Covid-related protocol even if the people are vaccinated.

The countrywide tally showed that Sindh reported the maximum number of Covid cases, 564,895, followed by Punjab with 499,365 cases, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 215,087 cases, Islamabad with 133,936 cases, followed by Azad Jammu and Kashmir with 42,684 caes, Balochistan with 35,284 cases, and finally Gilgit Baltistan with 11,390 cases.

In its update, shared by Geo News, the NCOC removed Karachi, Hyderabad and Peshawar from the list of cities with Covid-induced restriction after witnessing a declining coronavirus trend there.

Last week, the forum had imposed curbs in Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, Mardan, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Peshawar because of more than 10% Covid positivity ratio being reported in such cities.

Moreover, the NCOC has increased the occupancy level of public transport from 70% to 80%. The occupancy level for railways has also been raised from 80% to 100%.

Furthermore, it gave green signal to the education sector to have 100% attendance with the Covid protocols.

Idoor and outdoor gatherings have also been eased in cities with less than 10% Covid positivity ratio.

"Guests limit has been increased from 300 to 500 in indoor gatherings of all types, including weddings. Outdoor gatherings of all types, including weddings allowed for fully vaccinated individuals without any guest limit."

It added that ban on meal/beverages serving during in-flight/land journey and public transport for domestic travel was extended till February 28.

The forum further directed all the authorities concerned to notify about the relaxation of restrictions.