PESHAWAR: Following nine positive instances of three distinct coronavirus strains in the last seven days in the provincial capital, medical professionals advise following standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Covid-19.
“During the last seven days, the cases have been diagnosed at Khyber Medical University’s Public Health Reference Laboratory. Health department representatives told this scribe that the department has already requested that the concerned quarters gather samples from suspected patients for testing.
Five JN.1, three BA.2, and one XBB.1.6 were among the newly confirmed cases, according to their statement. The reported age range of those affected by the virus was 22 to 72 years old. They said that there were three male and six female Peshawar locals among the affected individuals.
“The department will begin tracing the contacts of the positive cases as this is the first time that three distinct coronavirus strains have been reported in the province at the same time,” officials stated.
Medical professionals requested samples from suspected patients so they could be tested.
According to medical professionals, if the department does not take prompt action to increase awareness and test the immediate family members of the individuals who have been diagnosed, things could get worse.
They claimed that additional testing was necessary to determine the true number of instances. They advised people to begin adhering to the Covid-19 SOPs, which include wearing facemasks and frequently washing their hands with soap after going to public areas.
People with a history of diabetes, heart disease, lung conditions, or respiratory disorders were advised to seek medical attention from hospitals if they experienced symptoms of COVID-19. They also mentioned that co-morbid individuals were more susceptible to infection than healthy individuals.
In order to protect themselves against the infection, experts advised people to stay away from big crowds and activities. “When someone is ill, they should stay at home. They advised people with Covid-19 symptoms, including as fever, coughing, and breathing difficulties, to stay indoors and get medical attention, including testing.
They suggested that the department ought to give instructions to healthcare personnel on following SOPs. It is necessary to screen them in order to stop the infection from spreading. Priority should be given to medical workers at Peshawar’s medical education institutes when it comes to Covid-19 testing.
The recent spike of Covid-19 cases in several Peshawar hospitals, according to health department authorities, is cause for serious concern. “The increase in cases is a concerning trend that calls for quick action and our attention as a group. In hospitals, emphasize the importance of following safety procedures and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Make sure healthcare institutions follow strict infection control procedures and uphold a high degree of hygiene,” they advised.
The WHO, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local health authorities are among the reputable sources of up-to-date information that the health department is obligated to keep up with.
According to health professionals, the population should be informed about the current situation. They indicated that a free Covid-19 test could be performed at Khyber Medical University’s Public Health Reference Laboratory (PHRL).
“Medical professionals should collect samples from individuals who appear suspicious and submit them to our laboratory via the district health officer’s office. To isolate patients and stop the spread of illness, early case discovery is crucial, they stated.
