Pakistan faces 5th Covid-19 wave as Omicron cases surge

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Asad Umar on Sunday has warned that there’s clear signs of the beginning of another coronavirus wave in Pakistan.

Asad Umar said in a Twitter post, “Genome sequencing showing the rising proportion of omicron cases particularly in Karachi. Remember: wearing a mask is your best protection.”

Clear evidence now of a beginning of another covid wave which has been expected for last few weeks. Genome sequencing showing rising proportion of omicron cases particularly in karachi. Remember : wearing a mask is your best protection

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) January 2, 2022

His statement comes after the trend of coronavirus cases in the country rose in the last two weeks. The new Omicron variant of the virus is now being reported from across Pakistan.

On Sunday, 594 new coronavirus cases were reported taking the infection rate in the country to 1.3%. In November 2021, Pakistan’s positivity ratio dropped below 1%.

Meanwhile, more than 100 Omicron cases have been recorded so far. Most of these cases are in Karachi or in people who had recent travel history to the city.

Previously, Health experts in Pakistan have raised concerns about a fifth wave of corona epidemics, as the National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed the spread of coronavirus' new Omicron variant in Pakistan.