It is necessary that the people create awareness amongst the people on prevention measures through social media
NAWAB SHAH: The inception of the yew year has brought a plethora of gruesome challenges in the form of US-Iran skirmishes which almost led the entire world towards an unending world war. Furthermore, bushfires in Australia harmed millions of acres of forest and caused the death of a huge number of animals. The recent global threat is in the form of the Coronavirus which has been increasing worldwide at a rapid pace. This virus emerged out from Wuhan from a seafood market. Unfortunately, it is reported that more than 8,000 patients have been infected whereas around 200 people have lost their lives. The coronavirus is not only confined to China but has spread to many countries like Japan, the US, South Korea and Vietnam. It is transmitted from people to people or from affected animals or persons. The symptoms of the virus are flue, cough, throat pain, etc. Basically the virus is an extreme version of the common cold and belongs to the same family as SARS and MARS virus. Besides, in order to protect people from this virus and avoid further setback, China has taken timely action by trying to construct around 1,000 hospital rooms. Although Pakistan has been vigilant and people are diagnosed at airport, 6 cases of coronavirus have been reported here but not yet confirmed. It is necessary that the people create awareness amongst the people on prevention measures through social media and the print media. Doctors and hospitals in the country need to be vigilant. Proper medical teams need to be set up at airports to screen incoming international flights from China. Pakistan should temporary block trade and transport routes to China to prevent the virus from spreading.
Musaddique Pirzada
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2020.
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