Omicron Thrusts Infections – Second Highest Case-Load

According to NCOC, in the last 24 hours, 6808 out of 58,943 tests turned out to be positive across the country. Cities with greater than 10% positivity rate include Karachi (41%), Hyderabad (17.27%), Lahore (14.25%), Peshawar (11.20%), Muzaffarabad (25%), Islamabad (15.37%) and Rawalpindi (12.75%).

6808 new Omicron cases during the last 24 hours are hereby reported to be the 2^nd highest count since 2020. According to the Information Minister, Fawad Chaudary, admissions to ICU have been increased by 30%. The new Omicron variant has appeared the highest in Karachi, especially in the students.

He gave a briefing on the major decisions about Omicron situation. The Omicron cases have increased 2.5 folds. He further mentioned the significance of getting vaccinated. He referred to a very negligible effect of Omicron variant on the vaccinated people.

Discussing the effectiveness of vaccination and the situation in highest positivity ratio in Karachi, Fawad Chaudary said that there was a lag in Sindh being vaccinated.

Karachi records above 3100 cases overnight

The Omicron variant, referred to be the fifth wave of the pandemic, has smashed Karachi hard. The city alone, reported over 3149 new cases in the last 24 hours. Karachi reports the highest positivity rate to be 41%.

WARNING!

PMA (Pakistan Medical Association) has issued warning on the subject of deteriorating Omicron situation in Pakistan. The association commanded a ban on all the rallies, public gatherings or sit-ins. PMA also cautioned about more intensification of Omicron across Pakistan in the upcoming weeks and believed that it could get more lethal.

NCOC’s Verdict

NCOC (National Command and Operation Centre) has issued guidelines for the education sector in Pakistan during the fifth Omicron wave. According to NCOC, the cities with more than 10% positivity, students above 12 years of age will continue to their regular classes.

While those under 12 years will attend their classes with 50% attendance on alternate days. The classes will continue with strict Covid-19 SOPs and protocols as guided by NCOC. It has been specified that atleast one dose is  mandatory for students above 12 years of age, implied from February 1, 2022.

Vaccination should be made mandatory with no exception except any medical reason. After a detailed review, Omicron Testing will be supported in the educational institutes with high occurrence. For the targeted closure of the institutes, a number of infections will be set as a benchmark.

Strict obedience of the SOPs to be made sure across the country.