Around 80 per cent of the country’s total eligible population stands vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, approaching another vaccination milestone after witnessing the weakening impact of the virus.

The National Institute of Health, which took over Covid monitoring from the National Command Operation Centre, shared the development in a tweet on Tuesday.

“Vaccine Update: Alhamdolillah 80% of eligible Pakistani population stands fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” it read. Health experts have stressed the need to get vaccinated to break the cycle of the virus and ensure a return to normalcy.

The NIH on Friday also shared Covid-19 statistics in another tweet. “Total tests in last 24 hours: 27,003; positive cases: 141; positivity %: 0.52%; deaths: 00; patients on critical care: 280,” it read.

The federal government, on March 31, closed the NCOC after witnessing a downward trend of Covid cases and an increase in the vaccination status. Before the closure of the NCOC, the vaccination status stood at 75%.

In a press conference, Asad Umar, who headed the NCOC, said: “We have learnt to live with the pandemic”. He had thanked the masses for cooperating with the government and adhering to the standard operating procedures.

World Health Organisation and global voices have praised Pakistan’s achievements in the fight against Covid-19. US billionaire turned philanthropist Bill Gates had also appreciated the country’s efforts to contain the spread of Covid and polio.

“WHO felicitates Pakistan for fully vaccinating 50% of the total population. This milestone indicates the tremendous efforts made in ensuring that everyone across the country had access to COVID-19 vaccination including hard to reach areas,” WHO representative for Pakistan Dr Palitha Mahipala was quoted as saying in a tweet shared by the global health body.

Despite having such statistics, health experts and the authorities have urged the masses to continue following Covid protocols in closed spaces and ensure mandatory inoculation.