THOUGH it was already pandemic but has officially been described so by the World Health Organization (WHO) with its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying “We have rung the alarm bell loud and clear.” Reports from across the globe indicate that the outbreak of the Corona-virus and its spread to 114 countries would have more devastating consequences for world economy than previously estimated.
According to media reports, the virus continued to spread in the United States and appeared in more countries including Bolivia, Honduras and Turkey, while Indonesia, Bulgaria and Sweden recorded their first deaths. President Donald Trump announced new measures to address the United States growing outbreak, including a Europe travel ban amid reports that UK Health Minister Nadine Dorries was tested positive for the virus. Italy has further tightened the quarantine it imposed across the country earlier this week – with all but essential services and shops to close for two weeks – after leaders from the European Union promised to do “whatever it takes” to tackle the Corona-virus. The Philippines Senate has been sealed off and the Manila headquarters of the Asian Development Bank closed after visitors to both buildings were confirmed to have the Corona-virus. The situation in Pakistan is also becoming alarming with the number of novel virus cases reaching 20 on Wednesday after a fourteen-year-old boy of Skardu was diagnosed with the disease while a Pakistani national in Italy became first victim of the disease. The Government is, no doubt, taking necessary measures to prevent its spread and provide best possible medical facilities to the affected people but it is understood the country cannot spare as much resources as other nations are allocating to deal with the virus and its consequences. The growing threat requires brainstorming sessions by the authorities concerned to firm up practicable plan in line with ground realities.
