Precautionary measures in place against COVID-19, says chief secretary

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Secretary Captain (retd) Fazeel Asghar has said that the government has taken precautionary measures on urgent basis to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in the province.

“The authorities concerned have been directed to raise awareness among people about COVID-19,” the chief secretary said while addressing a meeting via video link at the National Health Services.

The session was told that the provincial government had established isolation wards for the patients of coronavirus at Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Quetta.

Meanwhile, isolation wards were also being set up at hospitals on district level.

"273 pilgrims have returned to their native areas after medical check-up, while 780 who have reached the border will remain in quarantine for seven days," Asghar said.

The chief secretary stressed that the provincial government would take every possible step to stop the spread of the disease.

"20,000 people cross Chaman border every day. Coronavirus has already been reported in Afghanistan, and if it enters Pakistan through Chaman border, it will cause great misery," he said.

He urged the authorities to take up the matter with the federal government.

The meeting was attended by Commander Southern Command, Chief of Staff General Dilawar, Additional Chief Secretary Hafiz Abdul Basit, Secretary Health Waheed Mudassir Malik and others.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Director General (DG) Health Dr Fahim Khan confirmed that no patient of coronavirus had been received so far.

“The health department has established mobile health units to serve those areas where health facilities are not currently available, he said while talking to a private news channel.

“Mobile medical teams will only deal with those patients who have symptoms indicative of the virus,” he added.

The government has constituted special teams as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus, while all district headquarters hospitals have been directed to remain more vigilant.

The DG Health observed that the isolation wards had been established in three hospitals and the facility would be extended to other areas as well.

“Ambulances, technical staff and trained specialist doctors have been provided to each rapid response team for the monitoring of current situation,” he said.

He urged the citizens to keep the environment clean for a healthy and safe life.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2020.