New coronavirus variants may require updated vaccines: Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman

While exclusively talking to GNN, Dr. Atta said that the virus is rapidly changing its structure, so the existing vaccine may be ineffective after some time.

“The coronavirus is mutating and changes its shape and structure after every two to three weeks. Although the existing vaccines cover its wide range of forms but they may not work effectively after some time if virus continued to change,” he said.

The chairman task force further stated that new vaccines may have to be developed every year.

“Pakistan should also develop vaccines in collaboration with other countries,” he added.

Dr. Atta Ur Rehman also called for strict implementation of smart lockdown policy in view of coronavirus cases.

On the other hand, the national positivity rate has been recorded at 11.20 percent as Covid-19 cases across the country continue to soar, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) told on Monday.

According to details, highest positivity rate was recorded in Swat at 23% followed by Peshawar at 22%, Nowshera at 19%, Lahore at 17% and Islamabad at 16%.

On Sunday, the National Command Operation Center (NCOC) announced a complete ban on weddings, including indoor and outdoor gatherings from April 05 to further notification. The NCOC cleared that this decision includes all social, cultural, political, sports and other events.

Pakistan is experiencing third wave of coronavirus which is said to be deadlier and more contagiousthan previous two waves.

Around 4,525 cases of coronavirus were reported while 41 people succumbed to the disease in the last 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 14,256.  The total number of confirmed cases reached to 659,116.

As many as 598,197 patients have recovered from the disease with 3,055 critical cases.