In a recent official announcement on Wednesday, the government of Pakistan has decided to take proactive steps in response to the emergence of a new coronavirus variant, JN-1. According to an official notification, a decision was reached earlier this week to conduct testing on two percent of incoming travelers as a precautionary measure to curb the potential spread of the variant.
Pakistan faced various challenges and phases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the virus spread rapidly across the nation, leading to strain on the healthcare system and the enforcement of strict lockdowns. Despite limited resources, Pakistan successfully employed strategies such as public awareness campaigns, widespread testing, and targeted lockdowns.
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the country’s pandemic response organization, highlighted its vigilant monitoring of the global situation, especially in countries experiencing a rise in viral infection cases. The NCOC, in its latest meeting on January 2, announced the decision to implement a 2% screening of all travelers at Points of Entry (PoEs). The aim is to maintain strict vigilance at these entry points, ensuring the visibility of staff at all times for international travelers.
The official statement also specifically addressed entities such as Pakistan International Airlines, Border Health Services Pakistan, and top officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, emphasizing their role in these enhanced screening measures.