Prognosis

Pakistan Warned of Fresh Virus Threat as Millions Travel for Eid

  • Upcoming holiday may lead to a surge of new infections
  • Country’s already low testing has dipped again recently
People attend a cattle market ahead of the Eid holidays in Karachi on July 28, with most seen not wearing masks.Photographer: Asim Hafeez/Bloomberg
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Pakistan is at risk for a second wave of virus infections during the upcoming Eid holidays as millions travel to their home towns and mingle at family and religious gatherings.

The South Asian nation -- with the second highest number of infections in Asia -- has had some respite over the last few weeks with the rate of new infections slowing. But experts warn the chances of a resurgence are high, with Friday marking the start of the religious holiday. And they say it’s difficult to assess the path of the nation’s epidemic because its testing rate remains one of the lowest in the world.