Cases of the Indian variant of the coronavirus, commonly known as the Delta variant, have been reported in Balochistan, health officials confirmed on Tuesday. A total of 16 cases of the new variant have been confirmed – 11 in Quetta and five in Turbat.
Secretary of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Aziz Ahmed Jamali held a press conference in the Quetta Press Club on Tuesday where he confirmed that cases of the Delta variant of the Covid-19 have been reported in Balochistan. 16 cases of the new variant have been reported, 11 in the provincial capital Quetta and 5 in Turbat, the central city of Kech. He said that the officials had sent 21 specimens to the National Institute of Health for testing, and 16 of these came out positive — of the them Delta variant.
Respiratory disease expert Dr. Shereen Khan cautioned that precautionary measures are not observed, the fourth wave of the virus will be very dangerous. She said that, unlike the previous variants, the Delta variant inflicts critical damage in the lungs. She said that the new variant has a very high mortality rate.
The healthcare officials said that only four per cent of the population has been vaccinated and merely one per cent have had a test for the coronavirus. They said that these figures are alarmingly low. They said that the public must be cautious and take the precautionary measures seriously.
The health officials said that the government of Pakistan will soon import single-dose vaccines which will speed up the vaccination process. Those who have taken the first jab must also take the second shot. The government has sent vaccines to every district of Balochistan, the officials said.
Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani also warned about a fourth wave of the coronavirus, saying that an increase in the number of cases in Balochistan has been observed.
Talking to journalists on Monday in Quetta, Shahwani said that the prevalence rate of coronavirus cases in Balochistan was recorded at 9.43 per cent. He said that the government is taking preliminary steps to curb the spread of the virus. All business across Balochistan will be shut down by 10 pm, and non-essential businesses will be completely closed on Fridays, he said.
He said that the vaccination process has been expedited. “The government has set up vaccination centres in various markets, shopping malls and offices as per the instructions of the NCOC (National Command and Operation Centre). A Women’s Vaccination Centre has been set up in Brewery and a public awareness campaign is underway”, he said. Shahwani added that those who have been vaccinated will not be allowed to visit tourist spots in Balochistan.
He said that most people, including students, will be vaccinated by August 31 and those who are not vaccinated will be barred from entering hospitals and offices.
“A video made by a citizen in the neurosurgery unit of BMC Hospital on Saturday regarding the absence of doctors and nurses is being investigated. The health secretary has ordered an inquiry into the matter. The doctors and nurses found guilty of negligence will face punishment”, he added.