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According to data from national Health Institute (NIH) on Saturday, at least seven people died from Covid-19 in a single day, while the national positivity ratio reached 3.24 percent.

Six of those who died as a result of the virus were from Karachi, which has been hit hardest by the current wave, and one was from Peshawar.

According to the NIH"s daily tally, approximately 732 people tested positive out of the 22,568 tests performed in the previous day.

At least 158 patients were still in critical condition.

SOPs for Eid have been announced.

Following the recent surge in coronavirus infections across the country, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) recently issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Eidul Azha earlier this week.

The Eid guidelines bring back facemasks and social distancing guidelines for the joyous occasion, which will be celebrated for three days beginning Sunday. The forum encouraged people to choose collective Qurbani and to take precautionary measures.

"As the risk of a new wave was imminent, it was recommended to undertake minimal necessary travel during Eid holidays," the NCOC said, urging people to take every precaution to prevent the pandemic from spreading.

To reduce attendance, Eid prayers should be held in open areas with staggered timings - in 2-3 shifts at one venue - according to the guidelines. To avoid crowding, the guidelines suggested multiple entrances and exits at the prayer location.

Covid examination for Hajj pilgrims

Furthermore, the NCOC issued a directive to airports a day earlier to make sure that all pilgrims returning from Hajj undergo 100 percent rapid antigen testing (RAT).

The notification stated that testing would be performed in international airports in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan, and Islamabad in lieu of a rate of infection involved in mass gatherings, rising disease incidence globally, and soaring Covid-19 cases in Pakistan.

Return Hajj flights will start on July 15. The NCOC notification stated that filling out credentials on the pass track proposal had been made mandatory, and that in the event of a positive test, travellers will be obligated to quarantine at home for at least 10 days.