ISLAMABAD: Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, the spokesperson of the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Sunday the spouse of an official of the Indian high commission in Islamabad had tested positive for the coronavirus just days after arriving in Pakistan.

The news comes amid global concerns about rising cases of a deadly B.1.617.2 coronavirus variant first found in India.

For weeks, India has battled a devastating second wave of COVID-19 that has crippled its health system and led to shortages of oxygen supplies.

“A group of 12 officials and family members of the Indian High Commission (IHC) in Islamabad crossed over to Pakistan through Wagah border on 22 May 2021 in line with the laid down COVID related health safety protocols,” Chaudhri said. “All 12 passengers carried negative PCR [polymerase chain reaction] reports.”

 

However, upon arrival in Pakistan, the spouse of an official of the IHC tested positive after a Rapid Antigen Test was conducted by Pakistani health officials.

 

“The National Command and Control Centre (NCOC), being the competent forum, after reviewing the case, advised all 12 officials and their family members along with the driver of the vehicle to undergo mandatory quarantine,” Chaudhri said. “The IHC has been advised to strictly follow the guidelines provided by the NCOC.”

India on Sunday reported 240,842 new infections nationwide over 24 hours - the lowest daily new cases in more than a month - and 3,741 deaths.

India's daily COVID-19 cases are decreasing after peaking on May 9. The government said on Sunday it is conducting the highest number of COVID-19 tests, with more than 2.1 million samples tested in the previous 24 hours.

Still, experts have warned India could face a third wave of infections in coming months, and many states are unable to vaccinate those aged under 45 due to a shortage of supplies.

The world’s largest vaccine-producing nation has fully vaccinated just over 41.6 million people, or only 3.8% of its 1.35 billion population.