ISLAMABAD: Health authorities said Monday that they were fully prepared to deal with any sub-variant of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, including BF.7, in the country.

According to official sources at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, an efficient system with a proper management team was fully functional and ready to make an emergency plan in case of any situation.

A surveillance system has been put in place at all entry points of the country including airports. Medical staff at intensive care units (ICU) of hospitals across the country remain ready to handle any situation.

Sources say that genome sequencing was started in laboratories of all four provinces and the federal capital. 90 percent of the country’s population already has the Covid-19 vaccine so they are safe, they added.

Special directives have been issued to ensure the availability of an adequate quantity of ventilators, oxygen supply, and antiviral medicines in hospitals.

Meanwhile, as per data shared by the National Institute of Health (NIH), 14 new coronavirus cases were reported during the last 24 hours across the country. The case positivity ratio is 0.53 percent while 18 patients were in critical condition.

No death was reported from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours while 3,394 tests were conducted. Around 151 tests were conducted in Islamabad, 824 in Lahore, and 55 in Multan.

As many as four confirmed cases with a 0.49% case positivity ratio were reported from Lahore, one case with a 0.66% case positivity ratio was reported from Islamabad and one case with a 1.82 % case positivity ratio was reported from Multan.

Meanwhile, Minister for National Health Services Abdul Qadir Patel appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders, healthcare staff, vaccination teams, and administration working across Pakistan despite multiple challenges.

He advised all provinces and regions to administer booster doses to further improve protection against Covid-19 transmission.

He said that in view of the global pandemic situation, the Central Health Establishment (CHE) will be strengthened to enhance its functionality.

The minister emphasized the importance of precautions, including social distancing and mask-wearing, especially in crowded places. He also highlighted the need to strictly follow the guidelines for the management of markets.