Caretaker Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan on Friday said that the country had not yet recorded any cases of the new COVID-19 variant, JN.1 Omicron, but emphasized “we are on red alert”.
This statement follows the federal government’s decision to acquire 500,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in response to the potential resurgence of the new variant in various countries.
The procurement of Pfizer vaccines from the US was initiated based on the recommendations of the Emergency Operation Centre’s (EOC) technical advisory group, responding to the emerging threat of the JN.1 variant.
Approximately 200,000 vaccine doses are expected to arrive in the country in the upcoming week, with the remainder becoming available in subsequent phases.
Referred to as a sub-variant of the Omicron lineage, the JN.1 variant is acknowledged to be more transmissible than other circulating variants.
Despite being considered less severe than other strains by health experts, there is concern about potential complications, particularly for the high-risk population, such as elderly individuals with weakened immunity.
Speaking in the Senate, the health minister emphasized that Pakistan is closely monitoring the new variant, and the government remains on “red alert.” He outlined efforts to implement extensive testing through lab testing systems in different districts.
The minister reported the issuance of three advisories by the government on the matter, indicating intentions to request the Pakistan Electronic Media and Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to relay the information through TV channels. He likened the disease to influenza.
Simultaneously, the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIH) in Islamabad issued an advisory to provinces about the mutating strain. According to the advisory, the JN.1 variant is classified as a Variant of Interest (VOI), with genetic changes known to affect virus characteristics.
The NIH advisory further details the classification of JN.1 as a VOI and its association with the Omicron variant. The advisory emphasizes the need for timely preventive and control measures, urging health authorities and stakeholders to ensure preparedness for a potential increase in patient influx.
Additionally, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has decided to resume screening for inbound passengers. The NCOC announced that 2% of inbound passengers will undergo screening at all entry points due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in certain countries, emphasizing strict vigilance at all points of entry.
