Mask up: Covid on rise again

ISLAMABAD: According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), 76 new cases of Covid-19 with a positivity rate of 0.82 per cent were reported across the country during the last week.

A total of 9,318 tests were conducted in the past week.

COVID-19 Weekly Update
(21-27 August) 2023
Total Tests: 9,318
Total Positive Cases: 76
Total Deaths: 00
Positivity %: 0.82%
Critical Patients Average: 2
(Shared by NCOC-NIH)

— NIH Pakistan (@NIH_Pakistan) August 29, 2023

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An official from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination said that a robust surveillance system has been implemented at all entry points into the country, including airports. This system will facilitate the deployment of rapid testing and thorough screening procedures for all incoming passengers at these airports.

Furthermore, the official stated that 90 per cent of Pakistan’s population has already received the COVID-19 vaccine, showcasing the government’s commitment to widespread vaccination efforts.

The government in March 2022 considering the decline in covid cases announced the closure of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). The body was set up in March 2020 to deal with Covid-19.