Islamabad has reported its highest single-day spike in the number of COVID-19 cases since the last two months, with 186 people testing positive in the Pakistani capital in 24 hours, according to health officials.

Islamabad's District Health Officer Zaeem Zia told Dawn news on Saturday that although 186 seems like a large number, Islamabad is also testing more than other provinces, with 4,946 tests carried out in the last 24 hours.

The test-positivity rate is 3.76 per cent.

"Conducting more tests provides the opportunity to detect and trace more cases and break the chain, as undiagnosed cases increase the chance of spread of the virus.

"Once a case is confirmed, it becomes possible to ensure that the patient will stay at his/her house or in isolation so that the virus does not spread," Zia told Dawn news.

As of Sunday, the Islamabad Capital Territoryhas reported a total of 18,921 coronavirus cases and 210 deaths.

Pakistan's overall caseload currently stands at 327,367, while the death toll has increased to 6,731.

(IANS)