PM’s aide Dr Zafar Mirza. PHOTO: FILE
One patient has been diagnosed with the mysterious disease in Karachi and the other in a federal area – a pattern similar to the two cases confirmed earlier this week.
Making the announcement at a news conference in Islamabad, Dr Zafar Mirza urged the media to refrain from disclosing personal details of the patients. “These patients are being handled according to clinical protocols while contact tracing has started," he added.
According to the Sindh Health Department, the confirmation of the case in Karachi came at 5pm. The patient had recently travelled to Iran and contracted the virus there. He has been placed in isolation and is undergoing treatment. His family has also been quarantined and is being monitored.
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Dr Mirza said the two patients who were earlier diagnosed with the virus were in a stable condition and recovering. “One of them will be discharged soon,” he added.
Speaking about the shortage of face masks and the increase in their prices following the confirmation of COVID-19 cases in the country, Dr Mirza clarified that not everybody has to wear them to protect themselves from the virus.
He added that people have needlessly started buying face masks. “This shows that they don’t understand its [face mask] purpose.”
Dr Mirza regretted that some people resorted to profiteering whenever a tragedy struck the country.
Health officials held a marathon coordination meeting at the National Institute of Health (NIH) earlier in the day to further ramp up efforts to against coronavirus. “A mechanism for bringing back pilgrims from Iran has been chalked out. The process for their return has been started,” he added.
A contingency plan has been prepared in case the situation worsens. “Fresh medical staff will be recruited for hospitals where there is a shortage,” he explained. “Some hospitals have been reserved for treating coronavirus cases.”
Dr Mirza added that a three-member committee has been formed for public awareness about the virus comprising a member each from the National Health Services Ministry, the Information Ministry and the military’s media wing.
A screening mechanism has been put in place at all points of entry and the health and regular surveillance staff present there have been provided with protection equipment and kits.
He hoped the government’s strategy would ensure there was no outbreak of the disease in country. “During the last one month, the federal government has taken several steps and adopted a standard operating procedure to tackle the situation.”
Special Assistant to the PM on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, who was also present on the occasion, said a national action plan against coronavirus has been prepared and it would be presented before the cabinet for approval.
“The media’s role is important in creating awareness in the public about the disease and informing them about preventive measures,” she added. “There is no need to panic as patients in over 98% coronavirus cases reported across the world have fully recovered.”
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