Pakistan expands Covid testing for inbound travellers

Rapid antigen tests will now be conducted systematically at int’l airports

ISLAMABAD:

In order to contain BA.2.12.1, a sub-variant of the Omicron strain of Covid-19, Pakistan has expanded the scope of rapid antigen testing at its international airports.

Previously, the authorities were conducting random tests to screen incoming passengers from the Middle East, but now they have decided to conduct the tests systematically.

Acting on the directives of the health minister, the National Institute of Health (NIH)’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) instructed the Central Health Establishment to increase the scope of testing.

The Ministry of Health has said that rapid antigen testing at airports for Covid-19 will be conducted in a systematic manner with enhanced efficiency. The main purpose is to monitor the point of entry, it added.

It also said that the decision has been taken to detect any case of the new Covid-19 sub-variant in a timely manner to protect the public from it.

It further said that while the authorities are closely monitoring emerging cases at entry routes, only precautionary measures can prevent it from spreading in the country.