ISLAMABAD: The early signs of a fourth coronavirus wave have started showing, Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar has warned.
“Two weeks back I had tweeted that our artificial intelligence models are showing possible emergence of a fourth wave. Now there are clear early signs of the fourth wave starting,” Umar said.
Poor SOP compliance, spread of variants, including the Delta variant, are the main causes, he added.
The minister has warned that if the owners of these facilities do not show responsibility and ensure compliance, there will be no choice but to shut them down.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has advised Pakistanis to wear masks as the country prepares to battle a possible fourth wave of the coronavirus.
“The virus is not the same and it is mutating now,” he said on Thursday. There are variants in different countries such as the South African variant. “The Delta variant is becoming a big problem across the world.”
He appealed to people to exercise caution as cases are going up once again. “There has been an increase in the cases and the Delta variant is entering the country too.”
To tackle with the variant as well as other variants that have emerged in Pakistan, the NCOC has chalked out a plan of action.
“Failure to take precautionary measures against the Delta variant can lead to dangerous consequences,” said the statement.
The NCOC observed that due to the Delta variant, hundreds of thousands of people in India died, and coupled with a shortage of oxygen, countless people suffered.
The forum decided that enforcement of safety precautions would be ramped up, especially during the July 9-18 period.
Various proposals are under consideration to curb unnecessary movement on Eid, the statement said, adding that the decision to implement the proposals will be made keeping in view the spread of the virus.
The NCOC warned of a ban on tourist spots if cases continue to rise.
Workers of the following sectors must get vaccinated by July 31:
- Private, corporate sector employees.
- Small, medium and large industry employees.
- Workers associated with the agriculture and media sectors, lawyers, factory workers, and those who work in markets, including cart vendors.
- All workers associated with the transport and hotel industry.
- All gymnasium workers.
- Employees of mosques, including imams.
- Employees of workshops and wedding halls.
Students on the other hand, aged 18 and above, are required to get vaccinated by August 31.
The NCOC said that no one will be allowed to travel without a vaccination certificate after August 1.
Visitors to tourist spots aged 30 and above will not be allowed without a vaccination certificate. Moreover, hotel bookings are prohibited without vaccination certificates.
