Authorities have decided to take stricter screening measures against covid, in light of the virus’ resurgence in China and the emergence of new variants across the world.

New directions have been sent to the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure covid tests for passengers arriving from abroad as well as fumigation and enforcement of face masks on airports.

According to the new instructions, atleast two percent passengers of every flight must be screened for covid. In case a passenger refuses to comply, CAA’s vigilance teams and Airport Security Team will help to enforce SOPs.

In Punjab, a high-level government meeting decided to increases testing and contact tracing to prevent covid cases from rising again.

Health Minister Yasmin Rashid said that the 92% vaccination rate achieved in the province should prove to be an affective protective measure against a resurgence of the virus.

Authorities were also instructed to keep ample stocks of covid vaccine in the province, in case of emergencies.

China decided to relax its covid restrictions in early December after protests demanded easier living conditions after over two years of the pandemic. However, the change in policy led to such a massive covid resurgence, that hospitals were overwhelmed.

Federal health minister downplays concerns

Abdul Qadir Patel, the federal minister for health, said that the covid situation in Pakistan is ‘under control’.

“People should not believe rumours, we are ensuring our preparations are complete,” he said.

He added that Pakistan was one of the few countries where the rate of vaccination is over 90% and all necessary measures at Pakistan’s entry points are being taken.