Doctors seek to counter coronavirus panic with SKMH Facebook live session

Citizens ask panel of experts on infectious diseases about preventive measures, ways of transmission for COVID-19

The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital (SKMH) organised a Facebook live session to dispel the public's fears over the novel coronavirus in Lahore on Thursday.

Faisal Sultan, the chief executive officer of the SKMH, as well as, senior doctors Aun Raza and Salma Abbas responded to citizens queries during the interactive session.

The doctors are consultants on infectious diseases.

The live session aimed to counter the prevailing fear and panic in Pakistan over the novel virus, as well as, to dispel the false information circulating on social media.

Citizens handed in questions on the preventive measures that can be taken and the means of the virus' transmission.

Dr Sultan underscored that the public must only believe information back by scientific knowledge.

"It is unfortunate that when there's a threat of a viral outbreak in our part of the world, it is followed by an outbreak of disinformation," the head of the SKMH lamented.

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"It is important that if we share any information in our networks, we do it after verification and do not participate in conveying any false information to our friends and family.

"Misinformation such as this has created panic not only in Pakistan but also worldwide, evident by the buying trends and shortage of face masks around the world," he went on to say.

Dr Sultan clarified that it is not necessary for everyone to wear a face mask round-the-clock.

"The most important means of prevention of COVID-19 is ensuring proper hand-hygiene following cough etiquettes," he explained.