Overstay outside UK, ILR eligibility

I am on tier 2 general visa and been outside UK since September 2020 and due to corona and my country Pakistan is on red list, I can't travel back to UK. I wanted to enquire if this duration would affect my ILR (indefinite leave to remain) application eligility? I know about 180 days rule but I read on govuk site that this duration wouldn't affect is there is pandemic issue which is currently happening right now.

Also, my visa is set to expire on 18th October, I am getting a new sponsorship but I was think to stay for a while longer since it's really really expensive being in quarantine and all. How often can I apply for a new VISA without affecting my ILR eligibility.

Thanks