PM Imran gives nation five-point advisory to contain spread of coronavirus

We as nation need to win this war against COVID-19, Imran Khan says in televised address

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Prime Minister Imran Khan has given the fellow countrymen a five-point plan to fight the war against novel coronavirus which has infected at least 237 people amid fears of a larger outbreak.

Addressing the nation in a televised address on Tuesday night, the premier said: “We as a nation need to win this war against coronavirus”.

He asked the people to adopt five precautionary measures to overcome the highly contagious disease.

He said everyone must avoid gatherings of more than 40 people, specially those behind closed doors.

Handshaking must also be avoided as the contagion can easily spread through physical contact.

The prime minister advised those arriving from abroad to go in a 14-day self-quarantine.

In a bid to lessen burden on healthcare staff, only those with severe symptoms should visit hospitals for coronavirus testing as every flu and cough is not COVID-19, said PM Imran.

“We have taken all necessary steps to tackle the coronavirus,” said the premier, adding “We fear the worst as this virus will spread.”

52 new coronavirus cases push Pakistan’s tally to 237

There are a total of 237 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan as of now, and the country has witnessed a rapid increased in the number of infected over the last 36 hours.

Overall, Sindh has 172 confirmed cases while Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has 16, Balochistan 16, Islamabad four, Gilgit-Baltistan three, Punjab 26 and Azad Jammu and Kashmir has reported none till now.

Briefing the public over precautionary measures being taken by the government, PM Imran said that up to 900,000 people have been screened at airports thus far.

In case the virus further spreads, we need more medical equipment, said the PM, adding the country had enough facemasks but more ventilators would be required. For that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has already ordered additional ventilators from abroad.

The prime minister said the government was observing how the world was coping with deadly virus. President Arif Alvi’s visit to China, he added, will also help us learn how to overcome this pandemic.

"We have formed a coordination committee and an economic committee so we can void financial difficulties. It will also ensure that prices of essential commodities do not go up," said the PM.

He also warned hoarders against stocking up basic commodities.

“Mark my words all those who try to hoard goods will be taken to task by the government,” he maintained.

When the virus had reached Iran, a lot of pilgrims were coming back to Pakistan from there. Balochistan government despite limited resources isolated them and now they’re being sent back to respective provinces, the premier said. “I commend Balochistan government for stepping up in a difficult situation,” he added.

In a message to overseas Pakistanis, he said he was completely aware of the gravity of their problems. “I have directed all embassies to step up their efforts and facilitate you,” he assured.

PM Imran also sent a message to Pakistanis students stuck in the Chinese city of Wuhan that the worst is now behind them, as the Chinese government has stopped the spread of the virus.

The prime minister also urged religious scholars to help the government in educating citizens on the fight against the deadly virus.

PM Imran assured health workers that they will be given everything they need to fight the COVID-19.

“Lastly I would say that the nation must not panic and have faith that this too shall pass,” he said.