Govt keeping close eye on situation in wake of spread of Coronavirus: Dr Zafar
The special assistant said PM Imran Khan is personally monitoring and supervising the situation.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza on Monday said that the whole world is facing the challenge of novel coronavirus and instead of getting worried, precautionary measures are very important.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, he said that the government is keeping a close eye on the situation in the wake of spread of Coronavirus and is taking appropriate steps.
Dr Zafar said seasonal flue and fever does not require testing for Coronavirus and only those people need to have tests who have recently returned from abroad and are facing symptoms like fever, cough or difficulty in breathing.
He said 14 laboratories in major cities of Pakistan have been provided with diagnostic kits by the government that will hold free tests of people.
The special assistant said Prime Minister Imran Khan is personally monitoring and supervising the situation.
Zafar also warned the people to beware of private testing labs that are offering tests for Coronavirus. “There is no need to panic as the number of Coronavirus patients is still low in Pakistan,” he said.
He also made it clear that there is no need for a normal healthy person, who is neither attending any corona affected patient or suffering from this virus, to use masks.
Pakistan fully prepared to cope with challenge
Earlier today, the special assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services said Pakistan is fully prepared to cope with the challenge of coronavirus.
Chairing a meeting of emergency core group in Islamabad, the special assistant said the national action plan is being implemented with complete national solidarity.
The special assistant said the flights coming from other countries are only landing in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi, where the screening systems have been further strengthened and made effective.
He said the people having cough, fever and breathing problem can contact the ministry of health on helpline 1166 whilst staying at home.
Dr Zafar further expressed confidence that with collective efforts, we will overcome this challenge.
