Punjab Govt takes proactive measures to combat COVID-19

LAHORE: In response to the global surge in COVID-19 cases, the Punjab government has issued a notification instructing all hospitals across the province to intensify testing for the virus. The directive aims to assess the magnitude of the disease and prevent its transmission amid concerns about the spread of a new variant of the coronavirus and the prevailing smog-related health risks.

The official statement from the Punjab health department highlighted the importance of COVID-19 testing as the primary tool to evaluate the disease’s impact and control its transmission. The directive urged all relevant authorities to adhere to the orders diligently.

This move follows recent reports indicating a 52% increase in global COVID-19 cases during the 28-day period from November 20 to December 17, 2023, compared to the previous 28-day period, with over 850,000 new cases reported worldwide. The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued an epidemiological update highlighting the global and regional situation, including information on hospitalisations, ICU admissions, and updates on variants of interest and variants under monitoring.

Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States reported a notable increase in the prevalence of the new COVID-19 variant, JN.1, accounting for 44.1% of cases. This development emphasizes the need for enhanced testing and vigilance to mitigate the impact of the virus.

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The Punjab government’s proactive measures aim to safeguard public health by addressing both the resurgence of COVID-19 and the health risks associated with environmental factors such as smog.

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