Health experts concerned as Pak sees sharp spike in cases
Reopening of businesses and tourism sector blamed for the surge in cases; over 20% people, aged 50 and above, administered at least one vaccine dose: Umar; vaccine certificate must for tourists: NCOC
Pakistan continues to see a surge in the COVID-19 cases as 1,980 new infections have been reported during the past 24 hours, taking the country’s virus tally to 973,284.
According to the latest figures released by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), 27 more people succumbed to the deadly disease in a single day, pushing the nationwide death toll to 22,582.
As many as 48,382 tests were conducted in the previous 24 hours, out of which results of 1,980 patients came back positive.
The infection rate slightly increased to 4.09 per cent from yesterday’s 3.79%, it said.
With a threefold increase in number of people being tested positive for the deadly coronavirus disease everyday in less than three weeks, health experts believe the reopening of businesses and tourism sector is responsible for the resurge in cases and urged the government to announce a lockdown so that Eid Al Adha is celebrated with the observance of strict healthrelated restrictions.
The NCOC data showed that Pakistan has 36,454 active cases, while the number was around 31,000 some three weeks ago. Currently, there are 2,305 patients admited to hospitals and 217 of them were on ventilators.
An official of the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) said it was unfortunate that whenever ownership had been given to the masses, they misused it. “I believe people should behave responsibly and strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS). Otherwise we will be let with no option but to impose restrictions as we are heading towards the fourth wave of COVID-19,” the official said.
Member of the Scientific Task Force on COVID-19 Dr Javed Akram, meanwhile, said that the virus was continuously mutating and becoming lethal.
“There are 39,000 possible positions of mutation in virus. With the passage of time it (virus) has been developing more tentacles due to which its ability to atach with the lungs has increased and it damages lungs more. In other words, it is becoming more virulent.”
He said the government had decided to lit restrictions from the business and tourism sectors for the benefit of people and the national economy, but the masses did not take the precautions seriously thinking that the pandemic was over.
“We need to change our behaviour and try to play our role for the eradication of viruses. Just ater the opening of restrictions [since June 15] people started misusing the relaxation. A large number of people went to Gilgit-baltistan, where COVID-19 positivity was around 1%. Tourists become carriers of viruses and then it is multiplied there, as a large number of people travelled in one transport and shared rooms. Currently, the positivity of cases in Skardu is around 30%. When people returned from northern areas they again became carriers of the virus and now cases are increasing across the country,” he said.
Akram said as many as 12 mutations were observed in Delta (Indian) variant and the situation was becoming serious with every passing day. “We are heading towards a very bad time. I suggest that NCOC should impose a lockdown and Eid should be observed under strict restrictions,” he said. Planning minister on Sunday encouraged the country’s 27 million citizens who are over 50 to get vaccinated against COVID-19
Asad Umar also heads the national body tasked to control coronavirus. He said people over 50 are vulnerable to serious health effects.
Umar in a tweet said that 5.6 million people, or 20.6% of those in Pakistan in that age group, have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
The federal body recorded a slight hike in the positivity rate. It’s asking residents to wear masks and maintain social distance at public places.
The NCOC announced on Sunday that COVID-19 vaccine certificate is now a must thing for all tourists going to Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The apex body to formulate policies for combating the virus will also set up teams to check the vaccination certificates from the tourists and also form teams to ensure wearing face masks, observing social distancing and following safety measures in northern areas.