The Sindh government on Friday warned people of taking some “tough decisions” if it was unable to put a brake on the contagion resurgence before the advent of major events such as Eidul Azha, local government elections and Muharram.

“This situation can easily be controlled through adopting Covid SOPs such as wearing masks, avoiding handshake, ensuring social distancing, and washing hands voluntarily,” Murad Ali Shah, Sindh chief minister, said while presiding over a ‘Coronavirus Task Force’ meeting at the CM House to take stock of the situation.

The huddle expressed concerns over the increase in Covid cases in Karachi where, according to data available with the government, the highest ratio of 19.76% cases was reported on June 30.

“The situation was not alarming, but it was worrisome,” he said, “We need to control it through mass awareness.”

Sindh’s Covid table

• June 17 – 38 cases – 3.6% detection ratio
• Cases went on increasing from 377, 531 and 465 reported on June 30

Karachi ratio

• 19.09% on June 29
• 19.24% on June 28
• 9.21% on June 27
• 22.65% on June 26
• 21.71% on June 25
• 19.65% on June 24

Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said that only 63 patients – out of 4,122 – were in hospitals. “Only four patients have been shifted to ventilators.”

On the advice of the experts and members of the task force, the chief minister urged the people to get vaccinated, and if they were already vaccinated they would get booster shots.

“I would urge you [people of the province] to wear masks, ensure social distancing and keep washing or sanitizing your hands and avoid handshakes,” he said.