Islamabad, Aug. 25, (dpa/GNA) – Pakistan’s Covid-19 vaccine drive has started picking up as the country witnessed its deadliest day in more than three months.
Pakistan recorded 141 deaths within the last 24 hours, making it the worst day for fatalities since the start of a fourth wave of infections that is largely due to the spread of the Delta variant.
The death toll now stands at 25,220 according to the Health Ministry. The total number of cases reached 1,135,858, including 4,199 new infections.
Pakistan has announced travel restrictions for unvaccinated people and made vaccination mandatory for teachers and civil servants.
On Tuesday, authorities reduced the minimum age for a Covid-19 vaccination from 18 years to 15 years.
Unvaccinated students over the age of 17 will not be allowed in educational institutions after October 15, a ministry spokesperson said.
The government-run vaccination drive was initially slow due to vaccine hesitancy and supply issues but the campaign has now started picking up pace.
More than one million people were given the jab in the last 24 hours recently, with the target being to stay at this level.
More than 47 million people have been administered at least one dose.
GNA