PM resolute to tackle challenges posed by coronavirus

Imran Khan in his address urged the nation to support the government in its fight against the virus

Islamabad (Dunya News) - Prime Minister Imran Khan in his address to the nation urged to employ precautionary measures to avoid contracting the coronavirus and said that the nation must support the government in its fight against the pandemic.

Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he was wary of chaos being spread in the country due to the coronavirus. The virus emerged in China and it was only a matter of time before it came to Pakistan because of which the government started screening passengers at all airports from February 15 and Pakistan recorded its first case on February 26.

He cited the example of Italy, saying that initially, its government did not take any measures to prevent the outbreak and now they have had to lockdown the whole country. He also gave the example of how the US did not take proactive measures to protect against the virus but now their cities are being closed down.

He said that the virus is a type of flu that has only mild implications for 97 percent of people affected, and only four to five percent of the people end up going to the hospital. 80% of patients only experience a cold but the cause for concern, however, was that the virus is very contagious and attacks those with weak immune systems.

The Prime Minister said that government was monitoring global measures to control the epidemic and the situation in Pakistan was not as bad as in Europe, had cities been locked down in Pakistan, people would’ve died of starvation.

He said the battle against the Coronavirus cannot be fought alone and it can only be defeated if the nation stands with the government. He gave the example of China and how both its government and the people overcame the virus together. He appreciated China for its help in fighting against the epidemic and said that Pakistan could learn to control the virus using its neighbor’s experience.

In his address, the Prime Minister gave a stern warning to hoarders exploiting the situation created by the virus, saying that such acts should be avoided otherwise strict action would be taken.

He urged the public to adhere to the principles of hygiene and wash hands with soap as much as possible. He also advised to avoid shaking hands as it transmits the virus easily to the mouth and eyes. Avoid crowded rooms and gatherings and one should not try to get tested for the virus if one is experiencing a cold or cough as it does not necessarily mean the person is infected, he added.