Daily Covid tests crash in Pakistan

The daily number of Covid-19 tests has crashed to a little over 3,000 from nearly 5,000 as Pakistan has recorded 23 more coronavirus infections with no fatality during the last 24 hours (Monday), showed the statistics released by the National Institute of Health (NIH) on Tuesday morning, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to the NIH data, the death toll in the country remained unchanged at 30,641 whereas the number of total infections now climbed up to 1,576,961 after adding the fresh 23 cases.

COVID-19 Statistics 28 February 2023
Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 3,205
Positive Cases: 23
Positivity %: 0.72%
Deaths: 00
Patients on Critical Care: 13
(shared by NCOC-NIH)

— NIH Pakistan (@NIH_Pakistan) February 28, 2023

During the last 24 hours (Monday), 3,205 tests were conducted throughout Pakistan whereas the positivity ratio stood at 0.72%. The number of patients in critical care stood at 13.

Hong Kong scraps mask mandate after almost 1,000 days

Hong Kong is scrapping its mask mandate from Wednesday, Chief Executive John Lee announced, ending the financial hub's last major Covid curb as it seeks to emerge from the pandemic.

The city was one of the last places in the world to require face coverings in virtually all public settings, with everyone over the age of two required to wear one or face a fine of up to HK$10,000 ($1,275).

"I announce that the masking requirement will be completely cancelled starting tomorrow, March 1, including for indoors, outdoors and (on) public transportation," Lee said at a brief press conference on Tuesday.

He added that hospitals and elderly homes can impose their own restrictions.

The mask mandate was imposed three years ago, and had remained in place for nearly 1,000 days.

Hong Kong's lifting of its restrictions comes after the neighbouring Chinese territory of Macau relaxed its own mask rules on Monday, dropping the measure except for high-risk public areas, such as hospitals.

With inputs from AFP.