With Pakistan reporting over 700 new cases in a day yesterday for the first time since October, it seems that the fifth wave of Covid-19 is now upon us. The fresh spike in cases is driven by the latest variant of the virus, Omicron, which evidently spreads much faster than its predecessor Delta, that has infected major cities across the globe forcing some to enter partial or full lockdowns. Karachi is fast emerging as the epicenter of the new variant where the highest number of Omicron cases in the county have been detected. Although Pakistan was quick to restrict inward flights from countries where it had already spread early on when the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Omicron as a variant of concern, it was only a matter of time that the virus would penetrate through those defenses. That the uptick, which is being experienced currently, was being expected later in the month by the National Institute of Health, proves just how unpredictable Covid-19 is and Omicron even more so.
With confirmation from the NCOC that the fifth wave has not only begun but is spreading at a fast pace, there are measures that must be taken immediately to avoid a scenario that cripples the health system and the death rate increases. Â Apart from a general preparation of special health facilities, including plans to convert large closed spaces, such as exhibition centres, into isolation wards, there must be a special effort to procure required quantities of oxygen. The country was spared some of the worst aspects of the delta variant, which ran amok all over the world, but especially in our Eastern neighbor. It is good to see there has been no let-up in the vaccination programme, for while it seems the omicron variant is not invulnerable to the vaccine, it does afford a degree of protection, though a booster shot has been recommended. This momentum should continue, with a focus on ensuring that the older section of the population that is most vulnerable and likely to end up in hospital is fully vaccinated and receives the booster shot as well. Timely implementation of partial lockdowns and enforcement of mask wearing and social distancing protocols is critical to stop the spread as well. As always, there is a limit to how much the government can do and it is the social responsibility of the citizenry to exercise caution, for their sakes and others.
