Surveillance system installed at airports to prevent Covid spread

Instructions issued to ensure passengers entering Pakistan go through thermal scanners installed at airports

Health authorities on Wednesday said that a surveillance system was installed at all entry points of the country to monitor incoming passengers in the wake of the threat posed by the new BF.7 Omicron variant of Covid-19.

The health officials said that instructions had been issued to the concerned authorities to ensure that passengers entering Pakistan go through thermal scanners installed at airports across the country.

According to an official of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, several additional measures had been taken to prevent the spread of the sub-variant.

The official stated that an “efficient system with a proper management team is fully functional” in the country to remain vigilant and was ready to make an emergency plan to deal with any sub-variant of Covid-19.

Read more: Govt ‘prepared’ to combat Covid variant

In case of any untoward situation, he pointed out, the health system was “fully prepared to deal with any sub-variant” of the Omicron variant, including BF.7, in the country.

The official added that medical staff at intensive care units (ICU) of hospitals across the country were also active to handle any situation.

He further said that genome sequencing was initiated in laboratories of all four provinces and the federal capital.

“Ninety per cent of the country’s population has already received the Covid-19 vaccine so they are safe,” he added.

The official further said that special directions were issued to ensure the availability of an adequate quantity of ventilators, oxygen supplies, and antiviral medicines in the hospitals.

Meanwhile, as per data shared by the National Institute of Health (NIH), 26 new coronavirus cases were reported during the last 24 hours across the country. The case positivity ratio is 0.75 per cent while 14 patients were in critical condition.

A day earlier, Minister for National Health Services Abdul Qadir Patel appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders, healthcare staff, vaccination teams, and administration working across Pakistan despite multiple challenges.

Read: China's Zhejiang has 1 mln daily COVID cases, expected to double

He advised all provinces and regions to administer booster doses to further improve protection against Covid-19 transmission.

He said that in view of the global pandemic situation, the Central Health Establishment (CHE) will be strengthened to enhance its functionality.

The minister emphasised the importance of precautions, including social distancing and mask-wearing, especially in crowded places. He also highlighted the need to strictly follow the guidelines for the management of markets.

The coronavirus strain spreading in China is a sub-variant of the highly infectious Omicron variant: BF.7 or BA.5.2.1.7, CBS News reported.

China this month started to dismantle its “zero-Covid” regime of lockdowns and testing that had largely kept the virus away for three years.

(With additional input from APP)