ISLAMABAD / KARACHI: As the continued surge in national positivity rate has been observed and Karachi`s positivity rate has risen to 6 per cent from 2pc in just three days, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Monday announced the start of Omicron-driven fifth wave of Covid-19 in the country.Pakistan reported over 700 cases of Covid-19 in a single day which is the highest number of cases since Oct 30, 2021.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan warned about unmistakable upward trend in the positivity rate and advised the masses to wear masl(s, keep social distancing and get vaccinated.

An NCOC session discussed the epidemic curve chart data, national vaccination strategy and disease prevalence acrossthe country.

The session was jointly chaired by federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and NCOC National Coordinator Maj Gen Mohammad Zafar Iqbal and attended by federal Minister for Economic Affairs Omar Ayub Khan and Dr Sultan.

The forum agreed to take strict measures regarding obligatory vaccination regime. `The NCOC reviewed the spread of the disease and it was revealed that the fifth wave of Covid-19, which is Omicron-driven, is spreading in the country at a fast pace. During the last three days the positivity ratio in Karachi has increased from 2pc to 6pc.

The NCOC was also told that vaccinated people are less affected by Omicron,` a statement issued by the NCOC said.

`TheNCOCalsoreviewed the district-wise vaccination targets. All-out efforts are being made by engaging the provinces to achieve the vaccination targets. The NCOC also directed the provinces to achieve their vaccination targets as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease,` the statement concluded.

The NCOC data showed that 708 infections and two deaths were reported in the past 24 hours and national positivity rate was 1.55pc.

Moreover, 642 patients were on critical care.

Meanwhile, Dr Sultan in a tweet expressed concern over the continuously increasing positivity rate and advised people to get themselves vaccinated and strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures.

`Covid testing positivity rates for the last week. 28 Dec 0.69pc, 29 Dec 0.87pc, 30 Dec 0.95pc, 31 Dec 1.07pc, 2 Jan 1.3pc, 3 Jan 1.55pc. Unmistakable upward trend...1. Wear masks. 2. Get vaccinated, he tweeted.