The National Institute of Health in Islamabad has released an advisory regarding the emergence of the new variant JN1 of the COVID-19 virus. The purpose of the advisory is to inform relevant authorities and stakeholders about precautionary measures to be taken in response to the new variant. The advisory anticipates potential increased pressure on the Outpatient Departments (OPDs) and wards of hospitals across the country due to the new variant.
Key Points:
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New Variant JN1: The advisory highlights that the JN1 variant is rapidly becoming the dominant variant globally. However, as of the advisory issuance, no cases of the new variant JN1 have been reported in Pakistan.
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Precautionary Measures: The advisory emphasizes several precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, including:
- Regular handwashing with soap and the use of hand sanitizer.
- Avoiding crowded places to reduce the risk of contracting corona and other respiratory viruses.
- Highlighting that vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent COVID-19.
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Global Concern: The advisory acknowledges the global concern surrounding new variants of the virus and underscores the need for continued vigilance and adherence to preventive measures.
The issuance of this advisory reflects the proactive approach of health authorities in Pakistan in responding to emerging developments related to COVID-19 variants. It aims to ensure that relevant stakeholders are informed and prepared to implement necessary measures to mitigate the potential impact of the new variant.
