Political activity, PSL to blame for rising Covid cases: minister.

ISLAMABAD -- As the rising number of Covid-19 cases has prompted the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to recommend mask-wearing in crowded places, the Punjab health minister has blamed the uptick on political activities, especially in Lahore, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other cultural activities.

Talking to Dawn, Dr Javed Akram also insisted that pandemic fatigue - an expected and natural response to a prolonged public health crisis - and variation in the coronavirus were also responsible for more cases, as the efficacy of current vaccines has dropped to around 60pc from 90pc previously.

Data released by the NCOC on Saturday morning showed that 109 people were infected by the coronavirus and the national positivity was 2.05pc over the last 24 hours. As many as 14 patients were in critical condition.

Earlier this week, the centre recommended wearing of masks in crowded and tightly enclosed places and healthcare facilities. The guidelines were issued for a period of up to April 30, keeping in view the current Covid-19 trend in the country.

Dr Akram told Dawn that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 had changed itself and converted into XBB 1.5, BQ 1.1 and BQ 1, leading to a surge in cases across the world.

'Moreover, we are still using the same vaccine, which was prepared against the initial virus. With the passage of time, the virus has changed itself and the vaccine is now...