Presence of various COVID variants confirmed in Pakistan

The presence of various COVID variants has been confirmed in Pakistan

The Natio­nal Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) confirmed the presence of different variants of coronavirus, including the delta (Indian), beta (South African), and alpha (UK) variants, in Pakistan after detection of their cases in May and June.

According to the NCOC, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has been monitoring the presence of different variants of coronavirus in Pakistan.

This is done via whole-genome sequen­cing of Covid-19 patients’ samples, NCOC briefed.

“Samples collected in late May and the first half of June 2021 have shown the presence of different variants of concern, including the delta, beta, and alpha variants. Of note, the data has been shared with the Field Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division of NIH for response activities such as quarantine and contact tracing, and with other relevant national stakeholders,” it said.

Read more: Pakistan COVID-19 Update: South African, Brazilian COVID variants found in Sindh

On the other hand, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr. Faisal Sultan has warned that indications are showing that the situation has started worsening.

“Covid data from last week show a small but definitive uptick in cases, percentage positivity, and other parameters. Masks, avoidance of large crowds, and continued vaccination remain crucial tools in this work,” he tweeted.