Tracking the deadly outbreak: The Express Tribune brings you the latest news along with analysis of local and global trends to keep you updated & informed.
Our world has been upended by the novel coronavirus – which publicly emerged in the central China city of Wuhan towards the end of 2019 and has since been declared a global pandemic.
The first 41 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Wuhan, China, on January 10 and it took the world until April 1 to reach its first million cases. By August, global coronavirus cases surpassed 25 million though the true number is thought to be higher as testing is still limited.
In Pakistan, most of the initial corona-positive cases were traced to Iran – the country worst hit by the virus in the Middle East. But now local transmission of the virus has become a challenge for the cash-strapped government.
It took a month for Pakistan to confirm 1000 novel coronavirus cases which doubled in a week. In 55 days, the country's Covid-19 cases tally crossed the 10,000-mark. In 80 days, the country had over 50,000 confirmed cases. By June end, the tally crossed 200,000. The curve began to flatten by July.
Since the situation remains highly fluid, the stats are changing fast and we’re updating them accordingly.
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COVID-19 IN NUMBERS
The pace of novel coronavirus outbreak means that the information is not static. Here is the latest data on infections, recoveries and deaths from the COVID-19.
Last updated Sept 28 at 4:00pm
Source: Federal and provincial governments of Pakistan
EPIDEMIOLOGY
In seven months, the novel coronavirus has spread through the globe with over 15 million infections - more than the annual flu tally.
At home, authorities confirmed the first novel coronavirus case on February 26. By the end of May, the nationwide Covid-19 surges past 70,000. In June, the tally crossed 200,000. the numbers fluctuate despite efforts to flatten the curve, The Express Tribune traces the health crisis that has gripped the country.
Daily situational report
Daily blog
June 26: Covid tally crosses 200K
June 15: Covid-19 tally crosses 150K
June 6: Cases surge past 100K
May 21: Covid tally soars past 50K
May 7: Covid-19 tally soars past 25K
May 3: Pakistan's Covid-19 tally nears 20K
April 28: Pakistan's Covid-19 tally soars past 15K
April 22: Case tally crosses 10K mark
April 11: Tally soars past 5,000
April 5: COVID-19 claims 50 lives
April 1: Pakistan's COVID-19 tally crosses 2,000
March 29: Pakistan's COVID-19 tally soars past 1,500
March 27: Pakistan's death toll reaches 10
March 26: Pakistan's tally crosses 1,100
March 18: Pakistan's COVID-19 tally crosses 250
March 18: Pakistan confirms first two COVID-19 deaths
March 15: Pakistan confirms 20 COVID-19 cases in a day
Pakistan's 1st patient discharged
Feb 26: First 2 COVID-10 cases confirmed
SURVIVORS' TALES
Since the emergence of the novel coronavirus late last year, the world has been in uncharted territory, and flooded by grim updates about the spread of the virus.
In the midst of self-isolation and uncertainty, The Express Tribune features stories of survival of patients as they share first-hand experience of dealing with the pneumonia-like virus, and overcoming the psychological, social and health impacts of the infection.
Blot on a Covid-19 survivor's escutcheon
Two weeks in Karachi's largest isolation centre
Covid-19 survivors lives yet to normalise
Survivors fear stigma more than virus
FRONTLINE HEROES
In the months since the novel coronavirus’s emergence, the world has been gripped by fear and anxiety as infections and death tolls rise.
Amid all the uncertainty, there are stories of courage and resilience. From medical professionals and law enforcers to volunteers helping the most vulnerable, The Express Tribune features the heroes on the frontline of the battle against COVID-19.
Rescuers brave rising tide of Covid-19 in Punjab
Unsung heroes of coronavirus control room
Unseen & unappreciated lab technicians
Amid virus crisis, health workers remain steadfast
Life on the frontline
May 16: Inside Karachi's isolation centre
June 22: Over 60 frontline healthcare workers succumb to virus
Reuters photographers capture the hush that has descended on some of the world's best-known sites on the same day, at noon.
GOVERNANCE IN TIMES OF PANDEMIC
Nearly a month after the first Covid-19 case was detected in the country, the government imposed a nationwide partial lockdown.
The federal government issued a phase-wise lockdown lift early May despite a rising trend in coronavirus cases. In June, the country adopted smart lockdown to contain the spread.
The Express Tribune tracks measures taken by the federal and provincial governments to stop the proliferation of the novel coronavirus.
'Ghabrana nahin hai," PM Imran addresses nation
Pakistan's action plan against COVID-19 outbreak
July 12: The curve is flattening
June 10: WHO says Pakistan doesn't qualify for eased lockdown
May 18: SC directs provinces. toopen shopping malls, markets on weekends
May 7: Imran Khan announces lifting of lockdown
April 23: 27% of Pakistan's total cases linked to Tableeghi ijtima
April 18: PTI govt, Ulema agree on SOPs for Ramazan
April 4: Can't afford indefinite lockdown, says ISPR
April 1: Virus restrictions to remain till April 14
April 15: Fatality rate ‘very low in Pakistan’
April 14: PM Imran extends lockdown
March 31: Pakistan may be hardest hit by pandemic, says UN
March 26: Centre allows Mosques to stay open
March 24: Pakistan suspends train servcice
March 24: Centre, provinces at loggerheads
March 23: Army called in to fight pandemic
March 21: Pakistan suspends international flights
March 21: COAS asks people to be 'responsible'
March 20: 'People should self-quarantine for 45 days'
March 19: Partial lockdown in Sindh, Punjab & K-P
March 19: COVID-19 test must for travellers
March 13: Pakistan seals borders, limits flightt
More news..
Islamabad Capital Territory
Three weeks after reporting its novel coronavirus, the federal capital’s tally of confirmed cases had soared past 50.
In a bid to contain the spread, the authorities urged strict social distancing and banned congregations under Section 144.
However, following the federal government's directives to resume life, the authorities are struggling to ensure SOP implementation.
Follow our coverage of the government’s measures and the COVID-19 epidemiological outlook here.
Punjab
Punjab has seen the largest spike in confirmed novel coronavirus cases, reporting up to 500 cases in a day.
Despite declaring a health emergency on March 13, the provincial government was slow to gauge the seriousness of the pandemic as it allowed a large religious congregation at a time when experts were urging social distancing.
On March 21, CM Usman Buzdar announced a three-day lockdown to slowdown the outbreak.
However, following the federal government's directives to resume life, the authorities are struggling to ensure SOP implementation.
Follow our coverage of the government’s measures and the COVID-19 epidemiological outlook in Punjab here.
Sindh
The provincial government was quick to act when it quarantined the pilgrims returning from Iran – majority of whom account for the country’s positive cases.
After a partial lockdown, the provincial government imposed a complete shut down on March 21, which was extended till May.
After the federal government decided to end lockdown in phases and the Supreme Court's directed to reopen markets for Eid, Sindh saw a spike in Covid-19 infections.
Follow our coverage of the government’s measures and the COVID-19 epidemiological outlook in Sindh here.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
K-P declared a health emergency on March 4, and a partial lockdown was put in place on March 23.
The restrictions remained in place till May until the federal government decided to ease lockdown.
But a surge in Covid-19 infections has forced the K-P govt to push for a revised lockdown to contain the spread.
Follow our coverage of the government’s measures and the COVID-19 epidemiological outlook in K-P here.
Balochistan
The ‘botched’ quarantine in Taftan of pilgrims returning from Iran had renewed concerns over the threadbare healthcare facilities in Balochistan.
Being under-developed and with levels of poverty, it has limited ability to test and report cases or to sustain a prolonged lockdown, which has been in place since March 24. There have also been protests by doctors over lack of protective gear.
As it is sparsely populated, the dangers of a large-scale outbreak remains low. But the porous border with Iran remains a concern.
Follow our coverage of the government’s measures and the COVID-19 epidemiological outlook in Balochistan here.
G-B/ AJK
Like most of Pakistan, AJK and G-B have been in lockdown since the last week of March, with daily life becoming a struggle in a region that is predominantly reliant on tourism.
The martyrdom of Usama Riaz, a young doctor who died while treating patients in G-B, also shed light on PPE shortage, which has since been addressed.
Transport remains suspended in the region, with special passes issued to people to travel. There have been recurring complaints of prolonged power outages and inadequate internet speed as locals adjust to life with restricted movement.
Follow our coverage of the government’s measures and the COVID-19 epidemiological outlook in G-B & AJK here.
COVID-19 AND THE ECONOMY
With the virus showing no signs of relenting, pressure on healthcare sector across the world mounted and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 a pandemic.
The following days witnessed the global economy grind to a halt as countries went into lockdown to contain further spread. The resulting impact dealt a devastating blow as supply chains were disrupted and businesses were forced to shut down.
Economies across the world announced massive fiscal stimulus packages to deal with the economic fallout. However, the crisis seems far from over. Very recently, the International Monetary Fund managing director said that the coronavirus pandemic will push the global economy into the deepest recession since the Great Depression, with the world’s poorest countries suffering the most.
In Pakistan’s case, the finance ministry said that so far the magnitude of decline in economic growth due to the pandemic remained uncertain while a new independent assessment put the national output losses in range of Rs891 billion to Rs1.6 trillion in fourth fiscal quarter alone.
The numbers paint a dismal picture, not just for Pakistan but for the entire world. With a vaccine still not available, the future remains bleak as the global economy is now in recession and Pakistan seems to be headed that way.
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Global equities rebound
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PTI govt fails to avail $130m Covid loans
Oil falls on fears over rising global case tally
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Black swan and investment strategy
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Pakistan's remittance under threat
Pakistan's economcy contracts for the first time
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CANCELLED: HOW COVID-19 FORCED THE WORLD TO CHANGE PLANS
To slow the proliferation of the novel coronavirus, travel and events around the globe are being postponed or cancelled.
As the world adjusts to lockdown, The Express Tribune tracks the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and lives.
How the covid-19 has hit global sport
Saudi limits Hajj 2020 to 1,000 pilgrims
March 23: Cambridge cancels international exams
April 18: Queen cancels birthday plans
Cambridge leaves Pakistani private students in the lurch
March 17: HBL PSL 5 postponed indefinitely
April 2: Lal Shahbaz Qalendar Urs cancelled
April 5: Disney shuffles film releases
April 21: The Batman pushed forward
April 19: Lux Style Awards cancelled
SCI-TECH: DEFENCE AGAINST COVID-19
Identified by Chinese authorities on January 7, SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of the coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.
With infections soaring past 17 million mark, billions of people are living under smart lockdown as governments and experts step up efforts against the pandemic.
As scientists continue to examine the unique virus, The Express Tribune sieves through an influx of information.
Scientists warn of potential Covid-linked brain damage
Breakthrough treatment cuts Covid-19 death risks
More & more young people dying of virus: WHO
Recovery from Covid-19 may not confer immunity
What is herd immunity?
WHO health alert brings COVID-19 facts to billions via WhatsApp
Why are South Koreans testing positive again?
COVID-19 to worsen gender inequalities in Pakistan
Dexamethasone reduces death rates in critical cases
'Lack of global leadership biggest threat'
Are masks helping?
Is CoV-2 (Coronavirus-2) a man-made pathogen?
Fill the gaps or brace for impact
Safe burial
What is chloroquine?
Cats can get COVID-19
Heat won’t prevent or treat COVID-19
Who is a Covidiot?
Loss of taste, smell likely sympotoms
'COVID-19 can survive on some surfaces for days'
More news..
Mutation in new coronavirus increases chance of infection
Pandemic stress could trigger irregular periods
Women leaders common link in country with best response
Is CoV-2 (Coronavirus-2) a man-made pathogen?
A QUARANTINED WORLD
More than three billion people around the world are living under lockdown in a bid to slow the progression of the deadly pneumonia-like virus that emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. In just four months, the novel coronavirus infected over 25 million people across the globe with the death north of 800,000.
But even in a quarantined world, life goes on. We bring you stories of resilience and ingenuity, a celebration of the human spirit in these troubled times.
Read our top picks and tell us your favourite
Virus brews trouble for tea, disrupts supply as demand spikes
Criminals using food delivery services to transport drugs
Covid, Corona & Lockdown: newborns named after a pandemic
Misinformation ruining lives, says UK fact-checker
Pandemic leaves K-P mothers, children in the lurch
Fearing second wave, Europe to train 'army' of medics
An Eid like no other. PHOTOS: REUTERS
Online buying picks amid pandemic
A tough Eid for tailors
'Meethi' Eid without sweets
A socially distant Eid
Children draw what they miss the most during lockdown. PHOTO: REUTERS
Afghan girls try building ventilator from used car parts
Ghosts' scare Indonesians indoors
Wedding streamers: Couple takes big day online
Crime rate drops around the world amid COVID-19 pandemic
Nearly 50% Pakistanis yet to take preventive measures
More news..
Sending a message in coronavirus pandemic. PHOTO: REUTERS
COVID-19 & THE AIR WE BREATH
The lockdown to curtail the proliferation of the novel coronavirus has had one unexpected side-effect — a sustained drop in air pollution.
The Express Tribune tracks the air quality index amid the lockdown.
Karachi saw drop in pollution during lockdown
Punjab sees spike in air pollution as lockdown eased
Air pollution drops to record low
Pakistan's AQI improves amid lockdown
Lockdown leads to a drop in K-P pollution
Lockdown becomes blessing in disguise
WORLD NEWS
The highly contagious novel coronavirus that has exploded into a global pandemic has reportedly infected over 25 million people and claimed more than 800,000 lives across the world.
The coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 210 countries and territories around the world and 2 international conveyances.
Here are the latest updates of the COVID-19 pandemic impact across the globe.
Aug 29: Global Covid-19 tally soars past 25m
Aug 23: India's virus tally crosses 3m
Aug 22: Global death toll soars past 800,000
Aug 10: Global infections cross 20m
Aug 9: US cases top 5m
Aug 3: 18m infections worldwide
Aug 5: Global death toll crosses 700K
Aug 3: 18m infections worldwide
July 30: Brazil death toll crosses 90K
July 27: Global case tally surpasses 16m
July 17: One million cases in India
July 18: 14m new cases in 100 hours take tally to 14m
July 8: 12m infections across the globe
June: One person died of Covied every 18 seconds
June 28: More than 10M infected
June 22: Case tally soars past 9M
June 16: 8m cases reported across the world
June 8: Global case tally soars past 7m
June 7: Global death toll past 400,000
May 31: Over 6m cases reported worldwide
May 21: Over 5M Covid infections across
May 20: Over 100,000 cases recorded in a day
May 16: Globaly case tally soars past 4.5M
April 27: Over 3M infected worldwide
April 25: Global deaths surpass 200,000
April 15: Worldwide case tally tops 2 million
April 10: Global deaths surpass 100,00
April 6: US death toll soars past 10,000
April 5: Over 250,000 patients recover globally
April: Global tally soars past 1 million
April 2: Curfew imposed in Makkah & Madinah
April 1: COVID-19 worst crisis since WWII, says UN boss
April 1: China reports asymptomatic cases
March 31: Italy death toll soars past 10,000
Worldwide lockdown to contain COVID-19
Public figures who have tested positive for COVID-19
March 18: Politicians 'underestimated' virus threat, says EU chief
Trump suspends travel from Europe to US
Countries which have imposed travel restrictions
March 9: Italy locks down millions as its coronavirus deaths jump
More news..
ANALYSIS
Looking at the pandemic that has gripped the world through the lense of our our op-ed writers and bloggers. Find more of our analysis here.
Thoughts in self-isolation
Let’s join hands in fighting coronavirus
Covid-19: We will come through this together
Pakistan needs to act now or never
Pandemic demands transformation
Could COVID-19 become Pakistan's white swan?
Produced by: Niha Dagia
Artwork: Ibrahim Yahya, Mohsin Alam