COVID-19: Pakistan's confirmed cases jumps to 13,328, recovery rate rose to 3,029

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 13,328 on Monday after new infections were confirmed in the country.

The province-wise break up of the total number of cases as follows:

Total confirmed cases: 13,328

• Sindh: 4,615

• Punjab: 5,446

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 1,864

• Balochistan: 781

• Islamabad Capital Territory: 245

• Gilgit-Baltistan: 318

• AJK: 59

Deaths: 281

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 93

• Sindh: 81

• Balochistan: 13

• Gilgit-Baltistan: 3

• Punjab: 83

• Islamabad Capital Territory: 3

Officials have recorded more than 2.9 million cases and 205,000 deaths since the virus emerged in China in December.

Local transmission of COVID-19 cases rising: Jam Kamal

Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal said that the local transmission of coronavirus cases was increasing after the province's tally reached 781.

"We got to know that local transmission was increasing after random testing was conducted in the province," he said.

"The testing capacity has increased and we are conducting more tests everyday," Kamal said, adding: "So far, 35 have tested positive during random testing."

Sindh cabinet approves coronavirus ordinance

The Sindh cabinet on Monday approved the coronavirus ordinance which bars all private employers from layoffs and making it mandatory for them to pay dues during the lockdown.

The ordinance also gives exemption for utility bills to a certain extent.

Moreover, schools have been directed slash fees by 20%. The ordinance house owners from moving out tenants in case of non-payment of rent.