More Omicron cases confirmed in Karachi

KARACHI: As many as 23 more cases of Omicron variant of the COVID-19 have been confirmed in the city, raising fears regarding another phase of restrictions, ARY NEWS reported.

According to the provincial health department, 23 Omicron cases have been reported in the city from districts East, Central, West, and Malir.

The Sindh health department is already mulling over restricting business hours and closing down schools in Karachi.

According to details, the rising Omicron cases have led to a discussion in the health department to recommend curtailing business hours in the Karachi city. Moreover, the schools in districts where higher numbers of cases are being reported will also be shut down.

A decision in this regard will be taken within two to three days as the positivity ratio in Karachi has reached 8.91 percent.

Pakistan’s COVID-19 tally

Pakistan has reported 898 more COVID-19 cases during the last 24 hours.

According to the latest figures shared by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), a total of 49,673 samples were tested during this period, out of which 898 turned out to be positive, showing a national positivity rate of 1.8 percent as compared to yesterday’s 1.42%.

Statistics 5 Jan 22:
Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 49,673
Positive Cases: 898
Positivity %: 1.80%
Deaths :5
Patients on Critical Care: 652

— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) January 5, 2022

The death toll from the pandemic climbed to 28,950 after five more patients succumbed to the viral disease in the past 24 hours.

The number of COVID-19 patients in critical care in various hospitals across the country stands at 652.