ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has recommended guidelines for the period of up to the election day in Punjab after reports of fresh surge in Corona cases across the country.
In December last year, the NCOC while denying detection of Omicron sub-variant BF.7 in Pakistan, had said that there was no threat of any new variant of Covid-19 and the situation was being closely monitored by the authorities.
Also read: No threat of any new variant of Covid in Pakistan: NCOC
Minister for National Health Services, Regultions, and Coordination Abdul Qadir Patel said the government had strengthened the role of Border and Health Services in the country to deal with any sub-variant of Covid-19.
The minister said there was a surveillance system at all entry points of the country.
There would be rapid tests and screening of passengers at all airports, Mr Patel added.
He said the situation was under control and asked the masses to avoid paying heed to rumours.
In its fresh set of instructions issued the other day, the NCOC recommended wearing masks at crowded and tightly enclosed spaces and healthcare facilities, and to follow the guidelines for the period of up to April 30, 2023, the day when elections are set to take place.
Amid the current COVID-19 disease trends across the country, NCOC recommended following guidelines for the period up to 30 April 2023.
"Mask wearing is recommended at crowded tightly enclosed spaces including healthcare facilities"— NIH Pakistan (@NIH_Pakistan) March 16, 2023
Meanwhile, health officials said that 129 new coronavirus cases were reported during the last 24 hours across the country.
As per the data shared by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the case positivity ratio was 2.98 per cent while 14 patients were in critical condition.
