The Pakistani health authorities on Wednesday confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19 or novel Coronavirus in the country, saying both the persons tested positive for the lethal virus, one each in Karachi and Islamabad.
Both of them had traveled to Iran for pilgrimage to holy sites and on their return to the country, they tested positive for the disease.
In view of the emergent situation, both Sindh and Balochistan governments have closed down all academic institutions.
"Strict screening"
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on health Dr Zafar Mirza on Thursday visited the Pakistan-Iran border at Taftan to review the precautionary measures adopted after the coronavirus outbreak in Iran.
“Strict screening is being done at all the airports and land routes,” assured Dr Mirza. He also advised the public to be cautious and responsible, adding that they should adopt all the measures suggested by the health ministry.
Punjab on high alert
The Punjab government has declared a high alert across the province after the coronavirus cases were reported in Karachi and Islamabad.
Punjab’s secretary health shared that the provincial government has also allocated two hospitals in Lahore and Rawalpindi to deal with coronavirus cases.
Murad constitutes task force
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has formed a task force to deal with the issue, a spokesperson said on Thursday.
It would operate under the supervision of the chief minister.
The task force comprises chief secretary, secretary health, commissioner Karachi and other officials.
The chief minister also directed the authorities to screen all those who have traveled to Iran in the past few days. He was informed in a meeting that 1,500 people have been identified who have arrived from Iran.
Saudi Arabia has imposed ban on Pakistanis travelers
Saudi Arabia has imposed ban on Pakistanis traveling to the Gulf country on Umrah and visit visas till further orders, Geo News reported.
Earlier, Riyadh has suspending entry to the Kingdom for the purpose of Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque temporarily.
Isolation wards
In Karachi, three isolation wards have been established at Civil, Jinnah and Aga Khan hospitals to treat the patients infected with coronavirus, Radio Pakistan reported.
Sindh Minister for Information, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said in an interview that Provincial Disaster Management Authority have also been asked to take steps in this regard.
Schools closed
Sindh and Balochitan governments have announced that all the educational institutions will remain closed as a precautionary measure.
Control room established at Commissioner Karachi office
An Emergency Control Room has been established at Commissioner House Karachi to deal with any unanticipated situation.
Telephone nos: 021-99204405, 021-99206565, 021-99203443, 021-99204405
Mobile No: 0316-0111712
Federal govt Helpline: 1166
Screening ordered for all the passengers travelling from Quetta
The Civil Aviation Authority has issued directives for the screening of all the passengers travelling from Quetta airport to other parts of the country.
Shortage of face masks
Soon after it was confirmed that the virus has reached Pakistan protective equipment disappeared from the market. The box which was available at the price of Rs400 in the market is being sold at Rs2000.