As coronavirus variant Omicron cases increasing in Karachi, the Sindh government is considering imposing a lockdown again.
It is learnt that the Sindh Health Department is considering shutting down schools and reducing businesses and shopping hours to reduce the spread of Omicron in Karachi. Final decision is expected in a couple of days.
According to reports, the positivity ratio in Karachi has reached 8.91 percent. As many as 236 people have tested positive in Karachi after 2,650 tested for the coronavirus. Of the total infected people, 50 percent were infected by Omicron variant.
In December, Karachi reported Pakistan’s first case of Omicron variant. The patient had arrived in Pakistan from abroad and tested positive.
Karachi also has the lowest vaccination rate as compared to other cities in Pakistan –only 40 percent of its total population is vaccinated.
In response to the high number of cases in Karachi, the authorities may once again announce the closure of schools and businesses.
The Sindh Health department informed Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah about the worsening situation of the coronavirus pandemic driven by the new variant. The chief minister urged the people to take preventive measures. Otherwise, the government will take strict action.
According to the data of the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Pakistan recorded 372 cases of Omicron. Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad reported the most cases.
In the last few days, Pakistan also saw an increase in overall coronavirus cases. On Sunday, it recorded 708 new cases, the highest in almost two months. National Command and Control Center (NCOC) chief Asad Umar has also warned that there were “clear signs of a new wave” of the virus surging in the country.
