ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Border Health Services this week called for a “heightened” level of screening and strict implementation of COVID-19 protocols at airports as the virus surges in neighboring China.

Pakistan’s Sindh province on Thursday also announced coronavirus testing at airports for all inbound passengers from China, joining several countries, including Italy and the United States, that have this week mandated testing for travelers from the world’s most populous nation, where cases are on the rise after Beijing’s decision to lift zero-COVID policies.

“The undersigned has already issued instructions to all the respective incharges/point of entry focal persons for maintaining a heightened level of awareness and alert for the rapid identification, detection, and isolation of any potential cases to prevent further transmission as a part of effective control and prevention measures,” Border Health Services said in a notification dated December 28.

The body said strict entry screening of all inbound passengers and pedestrians was already happening, while any suspected cases with signs and symptoms needed to be immediately reported.

“All incharges are advised to ensure strict implementation of infection prevention control (IPC) protocols at the points of entry, including disinfection/fumigation of passengers arrival areas, use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPES) by the health care workers.”

Random sampling of all inbound passengers on international flights has been advised as part of the national response on all points of entry due to a surge of virus cases in “some countries,” the notification said in a clear reference to China.

The government of the southern Sindh province also issued its own protocols.

“All inbound passengers on flights from China to be tested for Covid-19 at the airports. In case of positive results, the persons shall be quarantined until they become negative for the contagion,” a circular said, adding that anyone showing coronavirus symptoms should be isolated and tested.

Sindh has also called for mandatory Pfizer boosters for all citizens who were vaccinated six months ago, particularly those aged 65 and above, and called for mandatory masks in public places and avoidance of large gatherings.

Pakistan’s current COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 0.53 percent and 95 percent of the country’s eligible population has been inoculated with a first, and 90 percent with a second, dose of coronavirus vaccines, according to data released by Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority on Monday.