So, the virus has returned in another mutated form. This time it has originated from Africa as per experts, and has spread in quite a few countries already. Federal Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Asad Umar had warned Pakistanis of the imminent arrival of the ‘Omicron’ variant right after the World Health Organization established that another variant was found. He urged all the unvaccinated citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible as it has been proven globally that vaccines have been a great help in mitigating the symptoms of the virus. However, there are still many people who have refused to get the jab even though it has become quite evident how important it is for survival in this pandemic, especially when new variants are popping up like mushrooms. An unvaccinated woman was diagnosed with the newest variant of the novel Coronavirus in Karachi. Although it is not confirmed whether the variant she’s carrying is omicron, there is suspicion that it is and, in a few days, it will be confirmed. Regardless of this fact, Omicron is likely to spread around the world rapidly due to its highly transmissible nature and Pakistan is likely to be affected by it.
As of now, 24.7 percent of the population has been vaccinated in Pakistan. This figure leaves more than 75 percent of the population vulnerable to a highly transmissible variant. What these people fail to understand is that not only are they putting themselves in danger, but those around them as well. The virus and its multiple variants have claimed a large number of lives. Moreover, it also completely changed the way the world works. Heavy lockdowns were imposed which resulted in economic problems for many countries including Pakistan. Getting vaccinated is the only way out of this problem and people should understand that by now.
Pakistan cannot afford to go into another lockdown especially in such an economy. Therefore, it is advised that all those who have been inoculated get a booster shot and all those who still believe the virus and the vaccine are conspiracy theories should isolate themselves from the world because no one deserves to suffer just because of an irresponsible human.
