ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister and NCOC Chief Asad Umar termed the new Covidvariant ‘very dangerous’, saying vaccination will be effective to stern thespread.
PTI Minister addressing a presser in the country’s federal capital warnedthat the latest concerning variant of the novel virus will inevitably cometo Pakistan and we had only a few weeks to contain its threat.
The Minister stressed the need for Pakistanis to get vaccinated andcomplete their doses as soon as possible. “The strain has to spread in thewhole world as we saw before that when a variant comes, the world is sointerconnected that it is impossible to stop it,” he said.
NCOC chief also called on citizens to get the second dose, adding that amassive vaccination campaign will be started in the provinces in the next2-3 days.
Commenting on the stern measures, he said the number of daily tests,particularly in high-risk areas, will be increased – which had previouslybeen reduced as the positivity rate declined.
Asad mentioned that the contact-tracing system would be revived as heemphasised the need to revive it with more resources.
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Stern restrictions had been placed on travelers coming from abroad andfurther measures would be taken to delay the variant’s entry into thecountry.
PM’s aide on health Dr. Sultan also mentioned the new variant is spreadingfaster compared to previous variants and that is why it is being treated asa ‘variant of concern’. The new variant has the potential to pose threat tothe healthcare system that could potentially lead to a shortage of beds andother medical services.
Earlier, Sindh health authorities also announced to vaccinate all residentswith a booster shot of Pfizer to curb the risk of transmission andre-infection posed by the Omicron variant.
