Experts warn against holding 'Karachi Eat' like events amid Covid uptick

Caution comes as Sindh health department reports more than 15% coronavirus positivity rate in the port city

The port city’s biggest food festival, Karachi Eat, is set to take place from January 14 to 16 at Beach View Park, Clifton despite a sharp rise in coronavirus cases fuelled by Omicron variant.

What started in 2014 at Frere Hall with a few stalls has now become one of the biggest and most awaited food festivals in the metropolis with a bigger venue and an even bigger number of stalls.

Thousands of foodies flock to the festival each year, offering a diverse range of local and international cuisines and live performances.

The experts have warned against holding such events as the Sindh health department reported a 15.52 per cent coronavirus positivity rate in Karachi. The positivity rate was 6.62 per cent on January 4.

“At the moment the organisers at Karachi Eat are assuring that SOPs [social distancing precautions] will be enforced to the best of their abilities, only vaccinated folks are be allowed entry into the festival and vaccine awareness and boosters will also be provided at the site of the festival,” Mehar Khursheed, a spokesperson for the Sindh health department was quoted as saying by Arab News.

Also read: NCOC warns Omicron spreading fast

Amna Saleem, an organiser for the festival, said strict coronavirus precautions would be imposed at the event.

“We have a Covid-19 Prevention partner that’s giving free booster shots at the festival. Sanitisation tunnels and hygiene in washrooms are in place. Ambulances and sanitisers would be seen at the festival too.”

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“The new omicron strain is spreading fast. If the number of cases grows it can mutate to another, a more lethal strain,” Dr Qaiser Sajjad, secretary-general of the Pakistan Medical Association, said.

“Secondly, the delta variant is also present in the city and it together with Omicron may create another strain or make the existing ones from mild to severe.”

“Holding such a huge gathering is very undesirable in such a situation. The government should not only ask the organisers to postpone the event but also take other measures like limiting attendance in marriage ceremonies and other events that are taking place in the city,” Dr Sajjad added.