Balochistan reports 30 suspected cases of Omicron variant

Official says patients' DNA samples sent for lab tests; 15-day lockdown imposed in Kech district

QUETTA:

At least 30 suspected cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19 were reported in Balochistan on Tuesday, while the provincial government imposed a 15-day lockdown in Kech to cease a surge in cases in the district.

Samples of the suspected patients are being sent to the National Institute of Heart Diseases (NIHD), Islamabad.

According to the Covid cell in-charge, Dr Naqeebullah Niazi, the suspected Omicron cases emerged in in Kalat within two days.

He further said the provincial health department has also written a letter to the district health officer in Kalat to immediately quarantine the suspected patients.

Also read: Pakistan confirms first Omicron case

The department, he added, has also directed all doctors in the province to observe additional care in wake of the Omicron cases.

Moreover, keeping in view a surge in cases in Kech, the government announced to impose a 15-day lockdown in the district.

According to a notification issued in this regard, all shops and markets, except for essential services, will remain closed in the district.

It also announced to close all private schools, institutions, parks and inter-provincial bus services, while only takeaway at hotels, restaurants will continue to function during the period.

Also read: Omicron spreading and infecting the vaccinated: WHO

The authorities urged general public to get vaccinated, warning them of restrictions in case of a failure to do so, and appealed the notables, Ulema, civil society and NGOs to play their role to mobilise people in this regard.

A copy of the notification available with The Express Tribune

'19 new infections'

Meanwhile, at least 19 more people contracted Covid-19 during the past 24 hours in Balochistan, taking the total to 33,606.

With four more patients getting over the contagious disease, the total number of recoveries surged to 33,158 in the province, according to the health authorities.

The provincial death toll stands at 363 as no fatalities were reported since yesterday.