Pakistan reported on Monday more than 700 covid cases in a single day, its highest tally in two months, as authorities warned of a fifth wave of infections and made preparations to try to contain the fast-spreading Omicron variant.
At least 708 cases in the past 24 hours pushed the positivity ratio to 1.55%, the highest since Oct. 24, according to data from the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC), which is overseeing the pandemic response.
Meanwhile, two patients succumbed to the virus during the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide death tally to 28,943. Aside from that,144 patients recuperated, which placed the number of total recoveries at 1,257,168.
According to NCOC, the total number of cases reported so far has reached 1,297,235, and the number of active cases is 11,124.
“[There is] clear evidence now of a beginning of another covid wave which has been expected for the last few weeks,” Asad Umar, the minister in charge of supervising anti-covid operations, said on Twitter.
“Genome sequencing had detected a growing number of cases of the Omicron variant, particularly in the largest city of Karachi,” he said. “Remember: wearing a mask is your best protection.”
About 70 million people in Pakistan, or 32% of the population, have had two vaccine doses.
Vaccination drive in the country
District-wise vaccination targets were also reviewed. Additionally, the participants were informed that all-out efforts are being made by engaging provinces to achieve the set vaccination targets.
The government authorized booster doses for citizens over the age of 30 from Monday. Children over the age of 12 are being offered vaccinations at their schools.
The government authorized booster doses for citizens over the age of 30 from Monday. Children over the age of 12 are being offered vaccinations at their schools. Twelve of the cases were linked to international travel, it said.
The provincial government of Sindh is working on a strategy to contain the variant after the fifth wave, which has included a partial lockdown of a Karachi neighborhood last week after about a dozen Omicron cases were detected in a family in Pakistan.
Speaking of Omicron, scientists are concerned its unusually high number of mutations could make it more transmissible and result in immune evasion. A number of studies are underway. Doctors and scientists are still working on gathering more information so they can provide better knowledge about this variant.
Read More: Omicron Virus & Its Symptoms – Everything You Need To Know
What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments section below.
