760,000 people entering the country screened for coronavirus: Dr Zafar Mirza

Dr Mirza says separate rooms are being allocated at hospitals to combat COVID-19

Health authorities have screened more than 760,000 people entering the country for the novel coronavirus, said State Minister for Health Dr Zafar Mirza on Thursday.

Chairing a meeting of the Coronavirus Emergency Core Group in Islamabad, the health minister reassured that every possible step is being taken to cope with the outbreak.

"The federal and provincial government, as well as other institutions, are fully ready to meet the challenge and protect the people from the virus," he said.

In addition, separate rooms are being allocated at hospitals to combat COVID-19.

Coronavirus outbreak

More than 95,000 people have been infected and over 3,200 have died worldwide from the virus, which has now reached some 80 countries and territories.

290 million students out of school as global virus battle intensifies

Almost 300 million students worldwide faced weeks at home, with Italy the latest country to shut schools over the deadly new coronavirus, as the IMF urged an all-out, global offensive against the epidemic.

As the virus spread, other countries have also implemented extraordinary measures, with UNESCO saying that 13 countries have closed schools, affecting 290.5 million children, while nine others have implemented localised closures.

South Korea – the country with the largest number of cases outside China with nearly 6,000 – has postponed the start of the current term until March 23.