Pakistan reports 3,669 new COVID-19 cases, total rises to 1.1 million
Two-dose vaccine most effective only after second dose: PM’s aide on health
Islamabad: The number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan went past 1.1 million on Monday with 3,669 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.
According to the National Command & Operation Centre (NCOC), the tally of infections caused by COVID-19 reached 1.102 million while the toll after 72 fatalities in the last 24 hours climbed to 24,478.
Ministry of National Health Services data shows 56,644 tests were conducted for COVID-19 in the past one day while the positivity rate remained at 6.8 per cent in the country.
Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Dr Faisal Sultan in a tweet cautioned the public not to wait for the message when the second dose of vaccine was due.
Two-dose COVID-19 vaccines provide maximum protection after the 2nd dose, so please don’t forget to return for your 2nd dose, said Dr Faisal Sultan in a tweet, adding, the ministry’s data suggested that the risk of contracting COVID-19 for partially vaccinated persons was three times higher than fully vaccinated individuals.
Pakistanis returning from Kabul exempted from mandatory PCR test
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), has granted special permission to Pakistan nationals returning from Afghanistan without the mandatory negative PCR test for coronavirus.
“As informed by our mission in Kabul, the current situation in Afghanistan has necessitated imminent repatriation of Pakistani nationals residing in Afghanistan,” read a CAA statement.
Given the paucity of time, it was decided that Pakistani travellers be allowed to arrive without the possession of mandatory negative PCR test results which is usually conducted within the 72 hours prior to commencement of travel to Pakistan, the statement further said.
“This approval, however, is subject to strict compliance with other provisions of standard operating procedures in-vogue relating to inbound travel to Pakistan, including Rapid Antigen testing, PCR Testing and any other stipulations as mandated by the relevant health authorities upon arrival in Pakistan,” the CAA advisory further said.
This means that upon arrival, the passengers will be subject to all tests made mandatory by health authorities, as well as strict compliance of safety measures.
Peshawar sees alarming increase in COVID-19 cases
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) health authorities are concerned about an increase in COVID-19 infections in Peshawar division and thus decided to expedite vaccination in the district to cope with the latest wave of the pandemic.
The province’s tally of mortalities due to COVID-19 swelled to 4,668 on Monday with 14 deaths in the past 24 hours. In Peshawar, alone, 2,225 new cases and 8 deaths were reported.
According to the local administration and health authorities, their focus was to expedite vaccination drive in the capital city where the virus was endemic.
Special teams have been constituted with the task to remain in the field for 24 hours to check the public places, markets, business centres and bus stands, railway stations etc, to prevent the spread of the virus.