The Omicron variant of coronavirus is spreading at an alarming rate as Pakistan reported more than 1,500 daily cases for the first time since October 3, data from the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) showed on Sunday morning.
According to NCOC, 17 new Omicron infection cases were reported in Lahore after that the total number has risen to 288.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, 26 students of King Edward Medical University tested positive for coronavirus as the positivity rate in the city rose to 6.3 percent.
According to university officials, students who tested positive were living in the hostel and have been isolated.
As per the latest statistics of the NCOC, 1,572 people were infected by the coronavirus after 49,658 COVID-19 tests were taken across the county in the last 24 hours. This brings the positivity rate to 3.16 percent.
Meanwhile, seven people died due to the virus during the last 24 hours.
Sindh has reported 21 more cases of the coronavirus’ Omicron variant, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office.
The statement said the new cases were among 24 samples tested on January 6 and January 7.
It quoted the chief minister as saying that Omicron was detected in 87.5 percent of the total 24 samples, which showed that the variant was spreading rapidly.
Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab has said that the Sindh government has not yet taken a decision regarding a lockdown in the city. He has debunked all rumours that state otherwise.
