24 more coronavirus cases surface
Health officials on Wednesday said that 24 new coronavirus cases were reported during the last 24 hours across the country.
As per the data shared by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the positivity ratio was reported as 0.58 per cent while 12 patients were found to be in a critical condition. No death was reported from the coronavirus in the last 24 hours while 4,152 Covid-19 tests were conducted.
According to sources, as many as 861 tests were conducted in Lahore out of which eight cases were confirmed with a ratio of 0.93 per cent, while 221 tests were conducted in Peshawar out of which one case was reported positive with a ratio of 0.45 per cent.
Similarly, Around 446 tests were conducted in Islamabad out of which one case was reported as positive with a ratio of 0.22 per cent, and 489 tests were conducted in Rawalpindi out of which one case was reported with a ratio of 0.20 per cent.
Meanwhile, Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Abdul Qadir Patel said that the government had strengthened the role of Border and Health Services in Pakistan to deal with any sub-variant of Covid-19. He said that there was a surveillance system at all entry points of the country including airports. He further said that there will be rapid tests and screening of passengers at all airports.
He claimed that the situation was completely under control and asked the public to avoid listening to rumours. He added that the corona case positivity ratio was just 0.3 to 0.5 per cent in the country while 90 per cent of the country’s population had already received the Covid-19 vaccine.
“An efficient system with a proper management team is fully functional in the country to remain vigilant and is ready to make an emergency plan to deal with any sub-variant of Covid-19,” the minister added.
He said that Border and Health Services Pakistan was ensuring the implementation of international health regulations. In case of any untoward situation, the health system was fully prepared to deal with any sub-variant of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 including BF.7 in the country, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2023.