IN what should trigger alarm bells in the authorities concerned, Pakistan has detected its first case of the Omicron sub-variant which is considered to be highly transmissible.
The National Institute of Health in a statement said it detected the case through genome sequencing in a traveller who had returned from Qatar.
Though it is the first case but should not be taken lightly, and constant tracing be done as it proved to be an effective strategy in the past to limit the spread of the virus.
This new sub-variant is causing increasing number of Covid-19 cases in different countries. The US is averaging more than fifty six thousand new coronavirus cases each day.
In China also, there has been an increase in the pandemic cases following which strict restrictions have been imposed.
In this backdrop, we should not be complacent at all and be ready to meet with any emergency like situation.
Following the decrease in Covid-19 cases in Pakistan, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was disbanded.
This platform came up with coordinated strategies on the basis of scientific data that helped check the virus in the country.
Our response against the virus was also hailed at the international level. Currently the matters relating to the Covid-19 are being seen in the NIH.
We will suggest that the same approach of taking on board the federating units should be pursued to effectively cope with any new variant of the pandemic.
The focus must remain on the vaccination of the people. There are many people who still have not taken two doses of vaccine.
Whilst these should be pushed for vaccination, those who have already got two shots must be encouraged to take the booster jab.
As the threat is not completely over, the awareness campaign must continue on the media, sensitizing the public about the importance of adhering to health guidelines especially the use of masks.
Any uptick in the cases will have disastrous impact for the livelihood of the people and the country’s economy.
By observing caution, we can stay safe and maintain the current normalcy.
