Punjab health authorities have sealed a PCR diagnostic laboratory in Bahria Town Phase 8 in Rawalpindi for hiding a number of positive coronavirus cases. The lab was established illegally without approval of the Punjab Healthcare Commission and was found to be violating the standard operational procedures (SOPs) announced by the provincial government.
Pakistan has decided to lift its coronavirus lockdown on May 9 (Saturday), announced PM Imran Khan on Thursday. He said that the decision is taken as many people are facing difficulties and a developing country like Pakistan cannot afford it. The premier requested the nation to follow the SOPs put in place by the government. Public transport will be opened too.
The National Coordination Committee (NCC) has decided to close all education institutions till July 15 and cancel all board exams. The decision was taken as coronavirus spreads in the country. Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood also confirmed that all board examinations have been canceled. He said the decision has been taken on the consensus of all provinces.
Author JK Rowling announced the release of free weekly recordings narrated by celebrities of the first book in the wildly popular “Harry Potter” series. Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who played the wizard character voiced the first chapter of the series’ premiere novel, “Harry Potter and the Sorceres’ Stone”. The decision was taken to To help children — and perhaps adults — cope with confinement measures.
England captain Eoin Morgan voiced his support for the inclusion of T10 cricket in the Olympics. He said that the one thing that makes it so appealing to an Olympic games is the fact that you can play a whole T10 tournament in 10 days. He added that the fans also get to see their favourite players perform in the tournament.
Vienna museum of city history appealed to submit artefacts of everyday objects to to document coronavirus pandemic for future generations. Some 1,800 photos of masks, signs and other objects have been received since the launch of appeal, spokeswoman Konstanze Schaefer said. She added that they want to see how they tell their children, or their children’s’ children about what happened in Vienna.
A research team at Arizona State University (US) has detected a unique mutation in the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that could make the virus weaker. The scientists found that in one of the samples they were examining part of the genome of the virus had been permanently deleted. The genome of a virus is its genetic code which determines how the virus multiplies and attacks host cells.
The Punjab government has decided to ease its coronavirus lockdown after May 9, whilw shopkeepers have been directed to strictly follow SOPs. The province has reported 8,693 cases of the novel coronavirus so far. Textile, steel and spare part shops will be allowed to operate for six hours. Parks will also be reopened for the public, but they’ll not be allowed to go on any swings or rides.
Author Stephenie Meyer announced that she will release a prequel of Twilight novels that explores the characters’ love story from the perspective of vampire Edward Cullen. Called Midnight Sun, the new book will chronicle Cullen’s past and the time he first meets Bella Swan, a human high school classmate who later becomes his wife. Earlier installments have been told from Bella’s point of view.
After ordering airing Dirilus Ertugrul on PTV, Imran Khan has another recommendation for you. According to Faisal Javed Khan, the PM has another show that he would like to be aired in Pakistan and that’s Yunus Emre: Aşkin Yolculuğu. The senator shared, “Yunus Emre (the Dervish) was an Islamic poet, a mystic and a poor villager. Story of a great Sufi wholly dedicated to Allah and searching for unity.*