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ISLAMABAD: Head of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and federal minister Asad Umar has warned of a fourth COVID-19 wave in Pakistan in July if precautionary standard operating procedures (SOPs) are not adhered to.
Taking to Twitter, the Planning Minister said the coronavirus monitoring body analysed data which hinted that another wave of the pandemic can hit Pakistan if safety protocols are not implemented.
“Reviewed the artificial intelligence-based disease modeling analysis today in NCOC. In the absence of strong SOP enforcement and continued strong vaccination program, the 4th wave could emerge in Pakistan in July,” he tweeted.
Reviewed the artificial intelligence based disease modeling analysis today in NCOC . In the absence of strong SOP enforcement and continued strong vaccination program, the 4th wave could emerge in Pakistan in July. Please adhere to sop’s and vaccinate as soon as possible.
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) June 25, 2021
COVID-19 situation in Pakistan
The third COVID-19 wave which hit the country in February proved deadlier than previous ones. During the third wave, the number of active cases in Pakistan crossed the 50,000 mark on March 31.
Within one month, Pakistan’s COVID-19 figures almost doubled as on April 29, the country’s active cases crossed the 90,000 mark. Pakistan reported the highest coronavirus positivity ratio of 11.63% on April 4.
As per the NCOC, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country stand at 952,907, while 897,834 people have so far recovered from the virus. Currently, there are nearly 33,000 active cases and the nationwide death toll stands at 22,152.
Pfizer for workers going abroad
The NCOC also allowed those travelling abroad for work to be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. According to the new guidelines, those who must travel outside the country for employment before July 26 can receive the Pfizer vaccine.
The body added that the vaccine would be given to those travelling to countries where Chinese vaccines have not yet been approved. This includes those going to Saudi Arabia on work visas.
