Balochistan sees spike in COVID-19 active cases again

There was an upsurge reported in positive cases of coronavirus in Balochistan, during the last month – which has raised concerns regarding a second wave of coronavirus in the province.

From August 25 to date, over 1,000 people have been infected with the deadly COVID-19, bringing the total in the province to 14,607 on September 23 and the death count to 145.

Separately, close to two dozen educational institutes in the province have reported outbreaks so far since September 15, when Pakistan decided to reopen some schools and colleges.

As per official records, shared with Geo.tv, 334 people have so far tested positive for the virus at education institutes in the province. In response, the Balochistan government has closed down 21 schools, one college and two universities.

According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, Balochistan’s capital city, Quetta, reported a positivity rate of 9.4% on September 20, which was higher than any major city or district in the country. The WHO recommends a positive rate of below 5% for two weeks before governments can consider lifting restrictions.

In order to stem the rise in cases, Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan has directed health authorities to submit recommendations to him this week, including whether another smart lockdown needs to be imposed in the province.

“We are monitoring the situation very carefully,” Liaquat Shahwani, the spokesperson of the provincial government told Geo.tv. “We have to protect our children from coronavirus at all costs.”

Another health official, who asked not to be named, said the surge in cases is due to people neglecting government-mandated health guidelines. “If we are not careful, we could be headed for another lockdown,” he added.