On Monday, Pakistan announced its first case of the most recent subtype of Omicron, BA.2.1.2.1. The novel sub-variant is responsible for a global outbreak of covid-19 infections.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered the urgent restoration of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to contain the latest Omicron sub-variant after Pakistan reported the first instance of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1.
The NCOC disbanded one month ago when all pandemic indicators were low. The PTI government established the forum in April 2020 to collect, evaluate, and interpret information collected from around the nation.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz has taken note of the new strain of Omicron and its increasing incidence. It stated, “He has also requested a report from the National Institute of Health (NIH) regarding the present Covid-19 issue.”
The National Institute of Health (NIH), which has been handling covid-related matters since the National Command and Operation Centre was officially shut down, acknowledged the emergence of the new sub-variant in Pakistan via a tweet. Individuals adhere to social distance guidelines and receive vaccinations against coronavirus.
“The most effective preventative approach (apart from wearing a mask in crowded areas) is covid-19 immunization. The institution noted, “We strongly suggest vaccination, and all those due for booster doses must receive them immediately.”
Sub-type of Omicron
The novel form of the highly contagious omicron virus was first reported to the World Health Organization in South Africa in November 2021. It has gained ground rapidly in the United States.
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BA.2.12.1 was responsible for 29% of new covid-19 infections in the United States during the third week of April. And it was responsible for 58% of reported illnesses in the New York area.
The variation has been found in at least 13 other nations, but the United States has the most excellent levels. According to scientists, it spreads quicker than stealth Omicron.
In recent weeks, Pakistan has observed a considerable decline in covid-19 cases. Consequently, this news comes at the wrong time. Since April 27, less than 100 instances have been reported daily. In Pakistan, 66 persons have tested positive for covid-19 in the past twenty-four hours, with one death.
It is essential to highlight that Pakistan’s response to the pandemic was globally praised. Moreover, it was seen as one of the countries that dealt with the virus effectively enough to prevent its spread.