Daily Times

Two more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Pakistan, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza told a press conference along with Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan.

One of the patients is from Karachi while the second case was confirmed in the federal capital. This brings the total number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan to four.

One of the patients recently flew in to Karachi along with his family from Iran where he is believed to have contracted the disease. He and his family have been placed in quarantine and the health department is in the process of examining all the passengers he has travelled with.

The second case in Karachi emerged a day after the Sindh government decided to quarantine suspected and confirmed patients of the virus at a health facility on the outskirts of Karachi as part of its efforts to contain the infestation.

Dr Mirza said a crucial meeting regarding coronavirus was held which decided to further tighten security at all entry points to identify the patients. He said the government will release an important advisory about masks and other safety equipment against coronavirus. He urged the citizens to call on toll free number 1166 in case of any emergency.

He said the government has decided to dedicate certain hospitals only for coronavirus patients. He said there is no need to panic as both patients of the virus identified a couple of days back are getting better. “One of the patients will be discharged from the hospital quite soon,” he said.

Referring to the rising prices of face masks, the prime minister’s aide said it is unfortunate that every tragedy in Pakistan looks to be a money-making opportunity for some in the country. He said it is not necessary for the healthy people to wear masks. “People have needlessly started buying masks which shows they do not understand its purpose,” he said. He also ordered a crackdown on those involved in black marketing for their personal interests. He said the government has launched a crackdown on such elements involved in price hike and black marketing of the equipment. He said masks and medication will be made accessible to the masses, adding that the country will not face any shortage of equipment as government is taking all possible measures on an emergency basis.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said a national action plan has been chalked out to cope with the coronavirus outbreak in the country. She said the national action plan will be submitted in the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday for approval.

The special assistant said the federal government has sought reports from all the provincial governments about preventive measures. She urged the opposition to avoid doing politics and be united on the issue of coronavirus, which has emerged as a global pandemic.

She said responsible media handling can bring people out of the fear of coronavirus by making them aware and informing them of prevention strategies. She also sought to calm fears amid confirmation of two more cases of coronavirus in Pakistan. “Do not fear coronavirus, fight it … do not think it is untreatable,” she said.