Omicron outbreak: Pakistan sees rise in positivity rate, raises age limit for booster dose
NCOC in its daily statistics reported the highest infection ratio up to 1.55 per cent recorded since October 24, 2021.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has witnessed a rise in Covid positivity rate which indicated the outbreak of coronavirus Omicron variant, whereas, the country increased the age limit for booster dose up to over 30 years.
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) in its daily statistics stated that 708 new cases of coronavirus and two deaths were reported within 24 hours on Monday (today), which is the highest infection ratio up to 1.55 per cent recorded since October 24, 2021.
It showed that the country has 11,124 active cases and 632 critical patients, whereas, the health authorities conducted 45,643 with an average of 44,965 tests on a daily basis in a month.
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In the wake of the Omicron outbreak, Pakistan reduced the age criteria for eligible citizens for COVID-19 vaccination. It was announced yesterday that people aged over 30 will now be allowed to receive booster doses across the country.
The NCOC had advised the citizens to follow COVID-19 SOPs, wear masks and ensure the complete vaccination and booster doses.
From tomorrow onwards, citizens over 30 years will be eligible for booster dose of their choice. Booster will be administered after 6 months gap from last dose.
Amid rising threat of Omicron, Please follow SOPs, wear mask and ensure complete vaccination/booster dose if eligible pic.twitter.com/9NkSfIwkaa— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) January 2, 2022
The centre’s head Asad Umar had also alarmed the severe situation, saying that they now have clear evidence that another wave of COVID-19 has hit the country as Omicron cases are rising particularly in Karachi.
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“Clear evidence now of a beginning of another covid wave which has been expected for last few weeks. Genome sequencing showing rising proportion of omicron cases particularly in Karachi. Remember: wearing a mask is your best protection,’ Asad Umar had said in a Twitter message.
Clear evidence now of a beginning of another covid wave which has been expected for last few weeks. Genome sequencing showing rising proportion of omicron cases particularly in karachi. Remember : wearing a mask is your best protection
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) January 2, 2022
Global events of New Year and Christmas were marred by the outbreak Omicron variant while some countries imposed partial restrictions to curb its spread.
In Pakistan, the health authorities had claimed to complete full vaccination of 70 million of population by the end of 2021 which is the 46 per cent of the total population.
