Trend Analysis of exponential increase of Covid-19 cases in Pakistan: An interpretation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.66Keywords:
Exponential growth. Case doubling rate, Covid-19, smart lockdown.Abstract
Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) originated in the central Chinese city, Wuhan, at the end of December 2019. Pakistan reported its first 2 confirmed cases on 26February 2020, linked to a travel history of Iran. This study was conducted to see the trends of COVID-19 infection growth and doubling time in Pakistan, from an early containment state to a much belated exponential rise pattern.
Method: This study is based on the analysis of the publicly available data on COVID-19 from the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination’s COVID-19 dashboard and the publicly available National command and operation centre daily situation reports from 26February - 27July 2020 to show the trends and patterns of COVID-19 among the Pakistani population.
Results: A total of 275,225 COVID-19 patients have been reported, with 5,865 deaths, 1,229 critically ill, and 242,436 recovered. Sindh has the highest number of confirmed cases (92,279). The majority of affected patients are male (72%). Local transmission cases stand at 97%. The percentage positivity has now declined to 4.8%, reaching a peak value of 25.7% in May. An average of 6.4 daily tests were conducted for each confirmed case, which makes 0.11 daily tests per thousand people. Daily cases surge had a 5.8% increase per day, with a 5-fold increase in infection until mid-June, which has now decreased to 80%. On 13 June 2020, the highest number of cases were reported (6,825 new highest daily deaths were reported on 19 June 2020). The case doubling time was 3 days initially and now stands at 28 days. The current CFR is 2.1%, with 5,865 deaths.
Conclusion: The lack of effective quarantine facilities and limited testing capacities at the Taftan border crossing resulted in the importation of the virus in the country. Risk mitigation measures that were implemented, such as lockdown by provinces and the Federal government, were eased in mid-May due to the economic impact but was followed by a spike in cases. The cumulative confirmed case count, after showing an exponential growth pattern within two months of the start of the outbreak, is now on the decline. Careful and responsible behaviors from people, preparedness, and planning, including sentinel surveillance at the district level, are required for the sustainability of COVID-19 control.
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Accepted 2020-09-17
Published 2020-10-19
