CM calls for social distancing even from family

Mourning demise of brother-in-law, Murad expresses worry over prevalence of local transmission

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, grieving the loss of his brother-in-law, Syed Mehdi Shah, whom he said died due to complications as a consequence of COVID-19, expressed worry on Friday over the rise in the number of local transmission coronavirus cases and called for maintaining social distance, even from one's family members.

In a video statement, the CM observed, "The cases are on the rise, with every other being that of local transmission, [making it necessary] to contain the virus."

He said that 86 new cases were reported in Sindh on Friday morning, pushing the province's tally to 1,214, of which 779 - 69 per cent - were locally transmitted.

"Besides, one death, that of my brother-in-law, due to complications arising as a consequence of COVID-19 was reported," he said. "Despite defeating the coronavirus… [he died] as the infection had badly infected his lungs and led to the failure of his renal system," the CM explained.

He said that Mehdi had tested positive for the virus on March 8, following which he was hospitalized. He was cleared of the infection after he tested negative twice but by then, the contagion had resulted in other problems, he added.

The CM said that the deceased was buried in accordance with the guidelines issued for the burial of coronavirus patients and expressed gratitude to all those who had offered condolences on Mehdi's demise. "Pray for the departed soul at your homes," the CM pleaded.

He stressed the need for staying at home, maintaining social distance, even from one's own family members and following the prevention guidelines and doctors' advice, saying anyone not observing prevention could be carriers and infect their families and others.

"I am worried about your family members," he said, adding, "Every one of us will have to adopt a new discipline of day to day living."

Virus count

The CM revealed that of the 586 more persons screened for the coronavirus, 86 were reported to have tested positive as of Friday morning, swelling the province's tally to 1,214. Of these, 779 were locally transmitted cases, he said.

He added that 521 people who tested positive were quarantined at their homes and 35 were kept in isolation centres. Meanwhile, 278 patients are under treatment in 16 hospitals in the province.

Sindh, at the moment, has 36 isolation centres, housing 4,396 beds, and 12 intensive care units, housing 292 beds. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2020.