12 new cases raise virus tally to 131 in province

Govt spokesperson says strict measures will be taken to ensure people stay indoors

QUETTA: The total number of coronavirus cases in Balochistan reached 131 after 12 more people were tested positive for the virus, the government of Balochistan confirmed on Thursday.

“The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Balochistan has increased to 131,” said Balochistan government spokesman Liaquat Shahwani.

Pakistan’s tally crossed 1,000 on Wednesday. So far, eight people have died because of the virus with one of the deaths reported in Balochistan.

According to a report, 2,033 people have been screened for the virus in Balochistan so far and the results of 165 tests are still awaited.

To prevent advance of the contagious disease, the provincial government has imposed a lockdown in Quetta. Authorities have even sealed Quetta’s Hazara Town and Mariabad areas.

The Balochistan government said it will take strict measures to ensure people stay home during the lockdown. Necessary food retails and other shops are allowed to remain open; however, roads wear a deserted look in Quetta and its suburbs. All small and large business centers are closed.

Police and Levies force urge the people, especially the youth, to stay away from sports activities and gatherings in different areas.

Shahwani said said all the patients of the novel coronavirus are being provided the best treatment facilities. The suspects are also being provided with all facilities at the Quarantine Centers. 277 people are placed in the Quarantine Center of Taftan and 111 in Quetta.

In various districts of Balochistan, people continue to distribute rations to help the needy.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan and Pakistan-Iran borders are completely closed for trade and other activities.

Hundreds of Pakistani drivers in a video message from Spin Boldak area of Afghanistan appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa to open the Pakistan-Afghanistan border immediately so that they can remain safe from the global epidemic.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2020.