The nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients crossed 30,000 in Pakistan after the emergence of nearly 1,300 new infections, while the death toll stood at 667, it was reported on Monday.

The country registered its highest number of cases for three consecutive days with the government lifting the coronavirus-induced lockdown in phases.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 1,476 new COVID-19 patients were identified during the last 24 hours.

A total of 28 more people have died in the same period, taking the tally of COVID-19 deaths in Pakistan to 667, it said, adding that 8,212 people have recovered.

Out of the total 30,941 cases, Punjab reported 11,568 infections, Sindh 11,480, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 4,669, Balochistan 2,017, Islamabad 679, Gilgit-Baltistan 442 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 86.

So far, the authorities have conducted 294,894 tests, including 11,369 in the last 24 hours, the ministry said.

An army officer was among the new COVID-19 fatalities reported.

Pakistani healthcare professionals across the country have also started testing positive for the novel coronavirus in the past few days, with at least 257 confirmed infections among doctors and paramedics between May 5 and May 9.

On Sunday Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said 709 new cases were reported in the province, currently the worst hit, in the past 24 hours pushing its tally to 11,480.

Officials have recorded more than 4.13 million cases and more than 281,000 deaths since the virus emerged in China in December.

(With inputs from agencies)

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients crossed 30,000 in Pakistan after the emergence of nearly 1,300 new infections, while the death toll stood at 667, it was reported on Monday.

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients crossed 30,000 in Pakistan after the emergence of nearly 1,300 new infections, while the death toll stood at 667, it was reported on Monday. The country registered its highest number of cases for three consecutive days with the government lifting the coronavirus-induced lockdown in phases. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 1,476 new COVID-19 patients were identified during the last 24 hours. A total of 28 more people have died in the same period, taking the tally of COVID-19 deaths in Pakistan to 667, it said, adding that 8,212 people have recovered. Out of the total 30,941 cases, Punjab reported 11,568 infections, Sindh 11,480, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 4,669, Balochistan 2,017, Islamabad 679, Gilgit-Baltistan 442 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 86. So far, the authorities have conducted 294,894 tests, including 11,369 in the last 24 hours, the ministry said. An army officer was among the new COVID-19 fatalities reported. Pakistani healthcare professionals across the country have also started testing positive for the novel coronavirus in the past few days, with at least 257 confirmed infections among doctors and paramedics between May 5 and May 9. On Sunday Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said 709 new cases were reported in the province, currently the worst hit, in the past 24 hours pushing its tally to 11,480. Officials have recorded more than 4.13 million cases and more than 281,000 deaths since the virus emerged in China in December. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's coronavirus cases rise to 30,941; death toll at 667

As the cases are increasing in Pakistan, the local government has decided to extend the lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

The cases saw a sudden rise, especially as hundreds of&nbsp;repatriated Pakistan nationals tested positive after returning from UAE last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-seeks-pakistans-help-for-intra-afghan-dialogue-297740">Also read:&nbsp;US seeks Pakistan's help for intra-Afghan dialogue&nbsp;</a>

The Pakistan government, on Sunday, has decided to extend the lockdown restrictions for another three weeks till May 31. However, certain&nbsp;exemptions will be provided to traders and businessmen.

Officials have decided that all industries&nbsp;that are included in the second phase of the construction sector, all factories which are not included in the negative list, including the export industry, all retail shops and community markets will be allowed to remain open.

Small shops, too, will re-open. However, shopping malls, parks, golf clubs, tennis courts and all entertainment venues will stay closed.

The shops will be allowed to remain open&nbsp;five days a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, no shops will be allowed top open on the weekends.

Pakistan`s coronavirus tally crossed 29,000 on Sunday after 1,991 new patients were diagnosed in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.The Ministry of National Health Services said that 21 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities to 639.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

As the cases are increasing in Pakistan, the local government has decided to extend the lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus. The cases saw a sudden rise, especially as hundreds of repatriated Pakistan nationals tested positive after returning from UAE last week.

As the cases are increasing in Pakistan, the local government has decided to extend the lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus. The cases saw a sudden rise, especially as hundreds of repatriated Pakistan nationals tested positive after returning from UAE last week. Also read: US seeks Pakistan's help for intra-Afghan dialogue The Pakistan government, on Sunday, has decided to extend the lockdown restrictions for another three weeks till May 31. However, certain exemptions will be provided to traders and businessmen. Officials have decided that all industries that are included in the second phase of the construction sector, all factories which are not included in the negative list, including the export industry, all retail shops and community markets will be allowed to remain open. Small shops, too, will re-open. However, shopping malls, parks, golf clubs, tennis courts and all entertainment venues will stay closed. The shops will be allowed to remain open five days a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, no shops will be allowed top open on the weekends. Pakistan`s coronavirus tally crossed 29,000 on Sunday after 1,991 new patients were diagnosed in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.The Ministry of National Health Services said that 21 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities to 639. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan extends lockdown till May 31; factories open

COVID-19 death toll in Asia rises to over 21,000, Iran being the worst affected. Watch this video to get more details.

COVID-19 death toll in Asia rises to over 21,000, Iran being the worst affected