Pakistan has reported an 80 per cent drop in coronavirus deaths but risked a spike in new cases after the upcoming Eid festival, a government health official said on Sunday.
According to government data, daily virus deaths peaked at about 150 in June. On Saturday, 24 fatalities were reported over the previous day.
Zafar Mirza, a senior health adviser to Prime Minister Imran Khan, told reporters about six per cent of those tested were found to have the coronavirus.
"The number of deaths caused by coronavirus has dropped by 80 per cent in Pakistan," he said.
In all, Pakistan has confirmed more than 270,000 cases including nearly 5,800 deaths.
Some observers, however, said the numbers did not reflect the true extent of cases in Pakistan, with many people reluctant to be tested and overall testing rates still low.
Faisal Sultan, who is helping lead the government's coronavirus response, said on Sunday that 23,000 out of an available 50,000 tests had been utilised in the previous 24 hours.
The health ministry did not respond to a query about why the testing rate was so low.
Many people ignored social distancing guidelines and flocked to mosques and markets during the last religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan in May, helping fuel a surge in Covid-19 cases across Pakistan.
The increase prompted the World Health Organisation to call for new lockdowns across Pakistan.
For the upcoming Eid Al Adha festival, which begins on Friday in Pakistan, Mr Mirza said people should not flock to animal markets and urged them to "buy sacrificial animals online to prevent a spike in new coronavirus cases".
"Any negligence... could make the situation worse," he said.
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
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The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
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BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP
Group A
Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA
Group B
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Mexico
Italy
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Group C
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UAE
Senegal
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Group D
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Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
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Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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Developer: Big Ape Productions
Publisher: LucasArts
Console: PlayStation 1 & 5, Sega Saturn
Rating: 4/5
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How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
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Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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Director: Harmony Korine
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Two stars
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Winner: Boerhan, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.
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Youth YouTuber Programme
The programme will be presented over two weeks and will cover the following topics:
- Learning, scripting, storytelling and basic shots
- Master on-camera presence and advanced script writing
- Beating the algorithm and reaching your core audience
if you go
The flights
Air France offer flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Cayenne, connecting in Paris from Dh7,300.
The tour
Cox & Kings (coxandkings.com) has a 14-night Hidden Guianas tour of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It includes accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, a local tour manager and guided sightseeing. Contact for price.
