Minister calls for precautions in absence of virus vaccine

Says social distancing is the best way to avoid local transmission

KARACHI: The only way to curb the spread of the coronavirus was to take precautionary measures as no cure or vaccine has been developed so far for the contagion, reiterated Sindh Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Friday.

He stated that the Sindh government was taking all possible measures to control the spread of the virus, especially through local transmission, and according to health experts, social distancing would work best for the purpose. Besides, he added, the government was also working on increasing the testing capacity of the province to get a clearer picture of the virus’ prevalence.

Saying that extending the lockdown was the need of the hour, the provincial minister assured that the government was working day in and day out to allay the problems of daily-wage workers and others badly affected by it.

“The government is aware of people’s suffering, particularly those of daily-wagers,” he said, adding that it was putting in all-out efforts to provide them relief.



He expressed hope that as a result of the Sindh government’s persistent efforts, the province would soon be rid of the pandemic and its mosques, educational institutes, markets, parks and playgrounds would once again come alive.

“But for now, practice caution, stay home and exercise social distancing, for yourself and your loved ones, until we eradicate the pandemic,” Shah appealed to the people.

Earlier, he thanked the people of Sindh for complying with the lockdown orders pertaining to Friday prayers and said that the government needed full cooperation and support from people to beat the coronavirus.

“The more the people cooperate with the government, the sooner we will be able to rid the province of the pandemic,” he said. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th, 2020.