SAPM Dr Zafar Mirza tests positive for coronavirus

Says he has mild symptoms and has isolated himself at home

ISLAMABAD:

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza has tested positive for coronavirus, he confirmed in a tweet on Monday.

The PM’s aide added that he has mild symptoms and has isolated himself at home.

<327> I have tested positive for COVID-19. Under med advice I have isolated myself at home & taking all precautions. I have mild symptoms. Please keep me in your kind prayers. Colleagues, keep up the good work! You are making a big difference & I am proud of you.

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) July 6, 2020

One of the country's focal persons regarding the Covid-19 crisis, Dr Mirza appreciated his colleagues' efforts and encouraged them to "keep up the good work".

The SAPM has joined the ranks of many government officials who have tested positive for the virus since its outbreak in the country in February.

On July 3, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi went into self-quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19.

In a tweet, Qureshi said that he felt slightly feverish on Friday afternoon and immediately quarantined himself, saying that he would continue to work from his residence.

He urged the masses to pray for his early recovery.

Former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif also tested positive for the virus last month. They have all since recovered.

The nationwide tally of Covid-19 patients stands at 231,818 with 4,762 deaths and more than 131,000 recoveries