It was only a matter of time that the latest Omicron sub-variant BF-7 would enter our border with the first case being detected in a 49-year-old male patient
This variant has caused much havoc in China and even in the US, it is estimated to account for 5
7% infections last year
BF-7 is threatening due to its high infectivity rate, shorter incubation period and immune-evasive characteristics
The health department report indicates that five new cases were detected over the past two days
This situation is alarming and calls for ramping up monitoring systems to ascertain how much the virus has spread since people have stopped taking Covid-19 tests
Moreover, the winter season has brought with it the flu and other viral infections
Since symptoms are similar, people may easily mistake one for the other and take the wrong medication
To avoid this, an awareness campaign must be initiated on television and social media to urge citizens who are showing symptoms to get tested at the earliest
It would also be prudent to start a booster vaccination campaign for senior citizens and vulnerable groups before cases see a sharp rise
It is expected that the government has a regulation system in place to fight the emergence of more Covid-19 waves in the future
Ideally, such a system should entail different phases that are initiated at different situations so that a complete lockdown remains the last resort
The precarious economic situation of the country should prompt officials to monitor the situation directly and take early action if cases start to surge
The country cannot afford slow down the economy even further for a situation that could have been prevented
Procuring booster vaccines and healthcare facilities should be on the contingency list
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2023
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| Date: | 04-Feb-2023 | Reference: | View Original Link |
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