Covid-19 genome sequencing continues

Islamabad: The National Institute of Health (NIH) continues to monitor the presence of different variants of Coronavirus in Pakistan. This is done via whole-genome sequencing of COVID-19 samples.

Samples collected in late May and the first half of June 2021 have shown the presence of different variants of concern including the delta (Indian), beta (South African) and alpha (UK) variants.

Of note, the data has been shared with the Field Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Division of NIH for response activities such as quarantine and contact tracing, and with other relevant national stakeholders.