According to data from the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the number of new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours has exceeded 168, resulting in a national positivity rate of over three percent, which is the highest since September 2022. The positivity rate has also surpassed 5 and 6 percent in two major cities, Karachi and Islamabad, respectively.
Although the officials acknowledged the increase in cases, they stated that the trend was not a cause for concern.
NCOC member
NCOC member Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan stated that the recent surge in Covid-19 cases was due to mutations in the virus. He also added that there was no need for people to panic as the new strain had a very low mortality rate.
NCOC data revealed that the national positivity rate was 3.02%, while Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad had positivity rates of 6.11%, 5.51%, 3.99%, and 2.61%, respectively. The data also reported one death in the last 24 hours.
Dr. Khan, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy, stated that the number of cases would continue to fluctuate with the arrival of new strains of the virus, affecting its transmissibility. He also mentioned that individuals up to middle age and in good health need not worry about the virus, as even if they contracted it, they would not face significant complications or symptoms.
Dr. Khan advised caution, particularly for individuals over 65 years of age and those with pre-existing conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, kidney issues, and cancer. He stated that although the number of cases had increased, the number of deaths was minimal. He added that the virus belonged to the influenza family and was less active in the summer.
Dr. Khan emphasized that the NCOC had already advised the public to wear masks in health facilities and other public places. Fresh guidelines were issued by the NCOC until April 30, based on the current Covid-19 trend in the country. Dr. Khan advised people to avoid crowded places, as the virus was currently spreading only from human to human, unlike in 2020 when it was also spreading through objects such as utensils, clothes, and currency notes.
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Abdul Qadir Patel, also stated that the virus situation was under control and urged the public to ignore rumors.
The government strengthened the role of Border and Health Services to deal with any sub-variant of Covid-19 and established surveillance systems at all entry points. All airports conduct rapid tests and screening on all arriving passengers. He added this information.
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