Pakistan reports record 7,678 COVID-19 infections

ISLAMABAD

Pakistan on Friday confirmed over 7,600 COVID-19 cases, its highest daily number since the pandemic began two years ago.

In the last 24 hours, the South Asian nation recorded 7,678 new cases, bringing the total caseload to over 1.35 million.

The country had last seen the most number of coronavirus cases – 6,825 – on June 13, 2020.

The latest surge in cases is believed to be driven by the highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus, triggering a fifth wave of the disease.

Amid the drastic increase in numbers, the Health Ministry has urged citizens to get vaccinated and to wear face masks.

Earlier this week, the National Command and Operation Center, the country's COVID-19 task force, authorized booster dose for citizens aged 18 and over. It also banned indoor gatherings, weddings and dining in districts and cities with COVID-19 positivity rate exceeding 10%.

Over 78 million people in Pakistan, or 35% of the population, is fully vaccinated.