‘Seven journalists infected with virus’

CM aide promises to conduct coronavirus tests of media persons

PESHAWAR: At least seven journalists have tested positive for the Covid-19 in the province while the government would provide all facilities to the affected media persons.

Adviser to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Ajmal Wazir said this during a meeting with a delegation of Peshawar Press Club and Khyber Union of Journalists on Saturday at the Civil Secretariat.

Wazir said journalists have been playing a crucial role in the fight against coronavirus.

"Journalist community is playing a pivotal role in awareness regarding the coronavirus pandemic and the provincial government is committed to resolve problems being faced by media community," he added.

The information adviser said all journalists infected with coronavirus would be provided with all the possible facilities and urged them to quarantine themselves at their homes and follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Wazir stated that government would carry out the tests of all journalists so that they could perform their duties without any fear.

The provincial adviser said that relevant authorities would be approached to disinfect press club and the homes of the journalists who have tested positive for the contagion.

He said K-P has recorded high number of coronavirus cases as expatriates returned from different countries had coronavirus symptoms, adding that most of them have recovered and have been sent to their homes.

The CM aide warned that situation might get worse even during the lockdown if SOPs were not properly implemented.

K-P Director General Information and Public Relations Imdadullah, Peshawar Press Club President Bukhar Shah, General Secretary Imran Yousafzai and other journalists were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, K-P Governor Shah Farman on Saturday directed for provision of better healthcare to journalists who have infected with Covid-19. He lauded the role of media in creating awareness among public regarding the coronavirus. In a statement, Governor Farman said the journalists perform duties with devotion in natural disasters, terrorist attacks and other critical situations.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2020.