THE National Institute of Health (NIH) in Pakistan has detected the first case of the Indian variant and seven cases of the South African variant of the coronavirus on Friday (29).
The NIH has shared the results of whole-genome sequencing of SARS CoV-2 samples collected during the first three weeks of May 2021.
‘This is the first in-country detection of the latter strain. The sequencing results confirmed the detection of seven cases of B.1.351 [South African variant] and one case of B.1.617.2 [first identified in India],’ the NIH said.
As per protocols, contact tracing of all the cases is in progress by the Field Epidemiology & Disease Surveillance Division and District Health Office (DHO), Islamabad, The Express Tribune report said.
The NIH said the continued detection of global strains highlighted the ongoing need for observation of guidelines, usage of masks, and need for vaccination.
Pakistan in April imposed a ban on travellers arriving from India via the air, sea, and land routes to avoid spreading the Indian variant of coronavirus.
A protestor is detained by the police during a demonstration against the proposed site of the new Chinese Embassy, outside Royal Mint Court, in London. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso. 
