Sindh CM rejects suggestion to shift PSL matches from Karachi amid virus fear
Murad Ali Shah directs health department to issue advisory, place hand sanitizers at National Stadium
PTI workers distribute facemasks and pamphlets about basic protective measures against the COVID-19 coronavirus to commuters on a street in Karachi on March 10, 2020. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five matches will be hosted in Karachi as scheduled from March 12 amid fears of the spread of novel coronavirus in the city.
With the confirmation of two more cases of COVID-19, the mysterious viral pneumonia-like disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in Sindh, total number of patients has risen to 15 in the province out of 18 reported cases in the country.
Earlier in the day, it was reportedly suggested to Chief Minister Shah that a ban should be place on large public gatherings like the ongoing T20 tournament and to keep schools in the province shut down for a longer duration.
Two new coronavirus cases emerge in Sindh as Pakistan’s tally rises to 18
The chief minister, after chairing a high-level meeting at CM House on Tuesday, directed the health department to issue a health advisory to the spectators during the PSL matches and ensure installation of hand sanitizer stalls at National Stadium.
Furthermore, he directed Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Karachi Commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani to finalise details of health guidelines for the PSL matches with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
He reiterated that all patients who have tested positive of coronavirus had arrived from other countries and there had been no human-contact cases observed in the city so far.
CM Shah urged the public to “have confidence in the government”.
No need to panic, situation is under control, says CM as coronavirus tally hits 15 in Sindh
Earlier in the day, Nasir Hussain Shah had told the media that adequate measures had been taken in order to conduct the matches in a safe environment.
“The PSL matches will continue as scheduled. Our preparations are complete. We are ready as far as health preparations are concerned. Fumigation will take place in and around the stadium. We would advise caution for foreigners. The virus is not very dangerous. It is the fans decision if they want to come to the ground. We will also conduct thermal screening,” Shah said.
PCB’s Director International Cricket Operations Zakir Khan had also said that a final decision will be made based on the recommendations of the officials in the Sindh government.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five matches will be hosted in Karachi as scheduled from March 12 amid fears of the spread of novel coronavirus in the city.
With the confirmation of two more cases of COVID-19, the mysterious viral pneumonia-like disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in Sindh, total number of patients has risen to 15 in the province out of 18 reported cases in the country.
Earlier in the day, it was reportedly suggested to Chief Minister Shah that a ban should be place on large public gatherings like the ongoing T20 tournament and to keep schools in the province shut down for a longer duration.
Two new coronavirus cases emerge in Sindh as Pakistan’s tally rises to 18
The chief minister, after chairing a high-level meeting at CM House on Tuesday, directed the health department to issue a health advisory to the spectators during the PSL matches and ensure installation of hand sanitizer stalls at National Stadium.
Furthermore, he directed Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Karachi Commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani to finalise details of health guidelines for the PSL matches with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
He reiterated that all patients who have tested positive of coronavirus had arrived from other countries and there had been no human-contact cases observed in the city so far.
CM Shah urged the public to “have confidence in the government”.
No need to panic, situation is under control, says CM as coronavirus tally hits 15 in Sindh
Earlier in the day, Nasir Hussain Shah had told the media that adequate measures had been taken in order to conduct the matches in a safe environment.
“The PSL matches will continue as scheduled. Our preparations are complete. We are ready as far as health preparations are concerned. Fumigation will take place in and around the stadium. We would advise caution for foreigners. The virus is not very dangerous. It is the fans decision if they want to come to the ground. We will also conduct thermal screening,” Shah said.
PCB’s Director International Cricket Operations Zakir Khan had also said that a final decision will be made based on the recommendations of the officials in the Sindh government.