Punjab recorded first death due to the coronavirus on Tuesday after a patient died at Lahore’s Mayo Hospital. The Punjab government, however, did not release the news for four hours, reported 24NewsHD while citing sources.

According to Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, who made the announcement in a tweet, the victim was Afrasiyab, 57.

She said, “These are indeed difficult times for the whole country. [The] Only way we can fight this pandemic is by staying indoors and following the precautionary measures.”

https://twitter.com/Dr_YasminRashid/status/1242382943395426304

Meanwhile, 24NewsHD reported that the patient, who was shifted to the hospitals two days ago, died at 12:30am on the night between Monday and Tuesday.

The sources say that the coronavirus test had been conducted late and the report was received on Tuesday morning. And the government suppressed the news for four hours and shared at the provincial cabinet meeting.

The total deaths due to the coronavirus in Pakistan have now jumped to seven with 892 persons tested positive. A total of 249 persons are stated to be infected in Punjab.

Also on Tuesday, the Punjab cabinet approved the Punjab Coronavirus Ordinance 2020, which empowered the government to control the movement of any person.

According to the ordinance as reported by 24NewsHD, any infected or any other person could be shifted to a government hospital or forced to stay at his home for a certain period.

The district administration has been given powers to curb the pandemic, while those violating the legislation could be fined ranging between Rs10,000 to Ras50,000 or imprisoned for six months.