Daily Covid tests drop as Pakistan lodges 11 cases

The daily number of tests dropped to a little over 3,000 as Pakistan lodged 11 more Covid-19 infections with no fatality during the last 24 hours (Sunday), showed the statistics released by the National Institute of Health (NIH) on Monday morning, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to the NIH data, the death toll in the country remained the same at 30,640 whereas the number of total infections now soared to 1,576,080 after adding the fresh 11 cases.

During the last 24 hours (Sunday), 3,085 tests were conducted throughout the country whereas the positivity ratio stood at 0.36 percent. The number of patients in critical care stood at 14.

COVID-19 Statistics 16 January 2023
Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 3,085
Positive Cases: 11
Positivity %: 0.36%
Deaths: 00
Patients on Critical Care: 14

— NIH Pakistan (@NIH_Pakistan) January 16, 2023

China reports 60,000 Covid-related deaths

China has reported 60,000 Covid-related deaths in just over a month, the first major death toll released since the country stopped its zero-Covid policy.

China has been widely accused of underreporting coronavirus deaths, despite evidence of hospitals and crematoriums being overrun.

According to officials, China recorded 59,938 Covid-related deaths between 8 December and 12 January.

Most of those who died were over 80, with most having underlying conditions.

The figures, include 5,503 deaths caused by respiratory failure directly due to the virus, and 54,435 caused by underlying conditions combined with the virus. The real total is likely to be higher because which the figures refer only to deaths recorded at medical facilities.

Last month, Beijing changed the way it categorises Covid deaths, only counting towards its total those who died of respiratory failure directly induced by the virus.

The World Health Organisation criticised the definition, describing it as "too narrow".

Beijing has always contended that its figures are accurate, calling on the WHO to "uphold a scientific, objective and just position".

Officials said that the peak of patients hospitalised with severe Covid was in early January, although the number subsequently remained high.

They said that they would continue to monitor the situation in rural areas, focusing on early detection and prioritising treatment of the most vulnerable.

Details for BBC