Islamabad: New cases as well as recoveries from COVID-19 were recorded almost in equal measure during the last 24 hours in Pakistan — 1,947 infections and 1,903 recoveries, according to the National Command & Operation Centre (NCOC). Also, 59 people lost their lives to COVID-19 in the same period.
Pakistan’s COVID-19 toll after the single-day fatalities has surged to 10,409 while the total tally of infections stands at 490,476.
According to the Health Ministry’s portal, 35,707 active cases are reported in the country still posing a huge challenge to the health authorities.
Revised travel SOPs for passengers arriving from UK
Pakistan on Tuesday revised travel restrictions for passengers coming from the UK. According to a notification the new restrictions had come into effect from January 5 and would continue till January 31.
According to the notification the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has extended travel restrictions on the UK passengers to prevent the spread of a new strain of COVID-19 virus in the country.
Last week, travel restrictions were imposed on UK passengers till Jan 4 after the emergence of the new strain that was spreading rapidly in England. The measure was intended to restrict the spread of the coronavirus variant in Pakistan.
Earlier, there was a ban on passengers from the UK as the Pakistani nationals looking to fly back home were not taken on board at the Heathrow Airport.
However, now all the Pakistani nationals with short-term UK and South African visit visas and Pakistanis holding work permits would have to follow SOPs and produce a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours prior to their travel to Pakistan.
Diplomats and their families will also be able to travel to Pakistan from the UK and South Africa after a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours prior to their travel to Pakistan.
However, they along with their families will be subjected to PCR test upon arrival and quarantine/isolation within their respective embassies/high commissions for a time period as specified by relevant health authorities.
According to the CAA, exemptions provided to diplomats and Overseas Pakistanis holding valid NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card for having stayed in the UK or South Africa for more than 10 days prior to travel, would continue and new restrictions for them would be effective from Jan 9 to Jan 31.
Users of oxygenated cylinders at homes cautioned
Keeping in view the limited number of beds and ventilators at the public sector hospitals, the Islamabad District Health Department has advised COVID-19 patients to self-isolate and arrange oxygen at home. District health officer Dr Zaeem Zia however, cautioned that before using oxygenated cylinders at homes, the patients must seek medical advice.
It has been observed that COVID-19 patients who prefer to isolate themselves in their homes and use oxygen cylinders are brought to the hospitals in critical state. It is better if their families should constantly observe their patients, and in case of any issue, contact a physician.
“Though it is good to arrange oxygen at home and limit patients’ movement, it is advisable that in case there is a health-related issue, a physician should be consulted,” said Dr Zeem.
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