Over 700 pilgrims from Iran to be kept in isolation

Patients to be quarantined at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital

DERA GHAZI KHAN: The authorities have decided to keep more than 700 pilgrims who will be returning from Iran in isolation outside the city for the screening of Coronavirus.

They will be quarantined while taking all precautionary measures for the novel Coronavirus. The sources said the patients would be kept in isolation at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital (RTEH) in case of any emergency. The sources revealed that the federal government was shifting more than 700 pilgrims from Tuftan border to Dera Ghazi Khan, who will be kept under observation for 15 days near the airport. The screening of visitors will be completed at the agricultural campus of Ghazi University near the airport, which will be overseen by the teaching hospitals’ doctors.

Reportedly, preliminary tests have been carried out at the camp at Tuftan border and no virus has been found in these pilgrims. District administration has taken over the campus building and began the cleaning of the campus along with making other arrangements.

Ghazi University Deputy Registrar Spokesman Professor Muhammad Shoaib Raza said the agricultural campus has been obtained from the administration of the university authorities for its use. However, he added that district administration could improve the facilities being provided. However, the commissioner's office denied any such notification after being contacted.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2020.