Pakistan trying to add beds, ventilators quickly amid COVID-19 surge

Gulf Today Report

Pakistani authorities are racing against time to add more beds and ventilators at hospitals amid a surge in deaths and coronavirus infections.

Authorities have started summoning troops to ensure people don’t violate social distancing rules, according to Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad.

Pakistan says it will be forced to impose a nationwide lockdown if the COVID-19 situation does not improve this week.

 Army soldiers patrol the street, to enforce coronavirus safety protocols, as the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters

Pakistan on Monday reported 70 deaths from COVID-19 and 4,825 cases in the past 24 hours, according to Associated Press. 

It comes a day after Pakistan closed schools in high-risk areas but refused to delay exams, ignoring protests from students.

Pakistan has reported 17,187 deaths from COVID-19 among 800,452 cases since last year.