Two individuals arriving at Karachi airport from Bangkok and Abu Dhabi tested positive for the new JN1 variant of Covid-19, a subset of Omicron, as reported by a spokesperson from the Sindh health department.
These passengers, hailing from Kech, Balochistan, and Hyderabad, Sindh, were advised to self-quarantine at home.
The Caretaker Federal Minister for Health, Dr. Nadeem Jan, emphasized the ongoing close monitoring of the situation. Border Health Services, national and provincial health authorities, and laboratories are on high alert in response to the emergence of JN1, ensuring robust disease surveillance. Stringent screening protocols have been enforced at international entry and exit points in airports.
Dr. Jan highlighted the effective screening systems in place at international airports and assured compliance with International Health Regulations by the Border Health Services Department. He affirmed that both the federation and provinces are on high alert. Furthermore, he mentioned that 90% of Pakistan’s population has received vaccination.
