Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani increased surveillance of inbound passengers at all airports in order to prevent the spread of a mutated Covid variant, BF.7, earlier discovered in China and other countries.
In response to the virus’s alarming spread in China, federal health authorities have beefed up surveillance systems at all entry points and begun using thermal scanners to monitor incoming passengers.
Thermal screening at airports
The Border Health Services of Pakistan under the federal health ministry have instructed staff at all international airports to maintain a high level of awareness and alertness for the quick identification, detection, and isolation of any potential cases to prevent further transmission as part of effective control and prevention measures.
Additionally, officials have been instructed to run a rapid antigen test (RAT) on any suspicious individuals. The spread of the mutated Covid variant BF.7 was causing concerns, according to a statement from a Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.
Pakistan prepared to put in place an emergency plan to handle any sub-variant of the contagious virus.
At least 26 new cases have been reported in Pakistan over the last 24 hours, according to the data released by the National Institute of Health. No deaths from Covid-19 have been reported in the last 24 hours, and the case positivity ratio is below 1%.
