ISLAMABAD: 6,397 new coronavirus cases have surfaced in the country over the last twenty-four hours taking the total tally to 125,933 by Friday morning. 

These include 47,382 in Punjab, 46,828 in Sindh, 15,787 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 7,673 in Balochistan, 6,699 in Islamabad, 1,038 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 534 in Azad Kashmir. 

The death toll from the virus stands at 2,463 with 107 deaths reported over the last twenty-four hours. 28,344 corona tests were also carried out during this period. 

40,247 patients have so far recovered from the disease.

ALso Read: 105 new coronavirus deaths, 4,646 infection cases reported in Pakistan

COVID-19: Support package for frontline health workers prepared

The government has prepared a comprehensive support package for frontline health workers fighting COVID-19.

This was stated by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Dr. Zafar Mirza while briefing the media about the upcoming package in Islamabad on Friday.

He said the doctors, nurses and other paramedics who are working in emergencies, quarantine and isolation centers caring the patients of coronavirus are our national heroes and their protection is the main responsibility of the government.

Zafar Mirza said the package has been prepared after a week-long consultation with health experts from all over the country. He said the federal and provincial governments will be responsible at their level to implement the package. Dr. Zafar Mirza said the package consists of 7 points including financial support, security, training, care, healthcare, private health supports and recognition at national level.

He said tax exemption for frontline workers who embrace shahadat will be given package from 3 to 10 million rupees. He said the government will provide adequate PPEs to all frontline health workers responsible for COVID-19 patient care.  He said security for hospitals and staff involved in COVID-19 patient care will also be ensured. He said PEMRA will lay down code of conduct for print and electronic media to refrain from character assassination of health workers.