Authorities in Sindh have decided to increase coronavirus testing as the province, particularly Karachi, witnesses a rise in the Covid-19 positivity rate.
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The decision was reached during a meeting between the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) and the Sindh Health Department on Tuesday to discuss measures to contain the spread of the virus.
The meeting was held after then Health Minister Qadir Patel directed the NCOC to coordinate with the provincial health authorities and develop a strategy to control the rising infections.
According to a statement issued by the National Institute of Health (NIH), officials agreed to enhance testing and contact tracing while ensuring the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs).
Authorities particularly stressed the use of face masks in crowded places and during domestic travel by air, rail and road.
The Sindh government had also reinstated Covid-19 preventive guidelines in Karachi the previous week following what officials described as an alarming increase in infections.
The measures included mandatory mask use, social distancing at public gatherings and reducing passenger occupancy on public transport to 70 per cent.
Health authorities urged citizens to follow precautionary measures, particularly in crowded places and during travel, to help limit the transmission of Covid-19.
The provincial and federal health authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation and adjust preventive measures according to the trend in infections and positivity rates.
