Eighteen people have died from Covid-19 in 24 hours (till 8am today), according to a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The total number of deaths has now reached 8,642 and the death rate stands at 1.52 percent.

At least 1,899 new infections were recorded in the meantime taking the total number of people infected to 5,66,838, added the release.

The current positivity rate is 10.04 percent while the total positivity rate stands at 12.98 percent.

A total of 18,917 samples were tested across the country in 24 hours (till 8am today).

At least 1,618 Covid-19 patients have recovered during the period.

The total number of recoveries now stands at 5,19,141 and the recovery rate at 91.59 percent.

Among the 18 deceased, 11 were men and seven were women. Of them, one was between 31-40 years old, two between 41-50, three within 51-60 and 12 were above 60 years old, added the release.