Lab Results Back Complete Lockdown in Punjab

During the third wave of coronavirus in the country, a research study conducted by a private pathology laboratory detected predominance of covid-19 UK-Variant and South African variants of coronavirus cases in Punjab which would endorse the decision of complete lockdown in the province.

Taking to their Twitter handle, the Chughtai Laboratory shared some details from the research paper.

Our Virology and Genetics Departments conducted a joint study at the end of March to assess presence of variants of SARS-COV-2 Virus in Pakistan.

60 out of 62 samples turned out to be UK variant. Research paper has been submitted for publication. pic.twitter.com/JakuiRe0jj

— Chughtai Lab – Official (@ChughtaiLab) May 5, 2021

Randomly, some 62 samples were collected at the end of March by the Department of Virology and Molecular Genetics to research for variant type.

The analysis showed that 60 out of the 62 samples (97%) were lineage B.1.17 (UK variant) and only 2 samples were found to be lineage B.1.351 (South African variant) through a genomic study.

The research paper said that the UK variant is the main culprit behind the third wave of covid-19 in Pakistan.

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Moreover, the study revealed that the absence of the early variant of the virus (Wuhan variant) portrays that it has evolved itself completely from the original strain.

The research was carried out by Virology Head Professor Dr Waheed-uz- Zaman and Molecular Genetics Head Dr Saadat Ali accompanied by their team.

Pathologists Prof Akhtar Sohail Chughtai and Dr Omar Chughtai claimed that a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases especially in Punjab during the third wave and the dominance of the UK variant is creating an alarming situation in the country.

With recent revelations, imposing a complete lockdown in Punjab could serve as a beneficial decision for saving millions of lives.

The research suggested the authorities the need for effective lockdowns on public gatherings to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Pakistan.