ISLAMABAD: As the country reported over 200 cases of COVID-19 after a gap of two-and-a-half months, federal and provincial leadership gathered at the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) on Wednesday to deliberate on the ever-changing situation. Happened.
It was decided to expedite the vaccination of citizens, as it was the best defense against the pandemic. In addition, the number of daily COVID tests, which has come down five times in the last few months, will be increased to ascertain the actual number of infections across the country.
The NCOC meeting was chaired by Abdul Qadir Patel, Federal Minister of National Health Services (NHS) in Islamabad. Representatives from the Ministry of Interior, National Disaster Management Authority, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and local administration also participated. Provincial representatives also participated virtually.
National Coordinator Major General Amir Ikram informed about the current status of Kovid-19 and its vaccination status.
Review status of federal, provincial leadership
It was reported that 85 percent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated and 93 percent partially vaccinated. In addition, 100 percent of the eligible population in Sindh has been fully vaccinated.
The Minister advised all provinces and territories to administer booster doses on a priority basis to further improve protection against COVID transmission.
He said that keeping in view the current pandemic situation, the national positivity was below 2 pc, which was attributed to the health system and stakeholders. Still, there is a need to be alert and vigilant about the situation, he said.
“In view of the global pandemic situation, the Central Health Establishment (CHE) should strictly monitor the health condition of the passengers arriving at the points of entry. CHEs will be strengthened to increase the efficiency,” he said.
CHE monitors health-related developments within and outside the country and issues advisories and takes steps to prevent the spread of diseases.
It was decided in the meeting that non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and other measures would be taken to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The Minister emphasized the importance of social distancing and precautions like wearing of masks, especially in crowded places. He also highlighted the need to strictly follow the guidelines for the management of markets for Eid-ul-Adha.
The data released by the NCOC shows that 204 new infections were reported. While Karachi recorded 15.44 per cent positivity, the cities which recorded more than 2 per cent positivity include Muzaffarabad, Quetta, Islamabad, Mardan, Nowshera and Lahore.
Published in Dawn, June 23, 2022