Dr Mirza says not everyone is required to use mask
Zubair Qureshi
Islamabad
Two more personns have been tested positive for coronavirus in the country—one in Islamabad and the other case in Karachi—Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza has confirmed at a press conference.
Addressing a press conference at the National Institute of Health here Saturday, Dr Zafar Mirza who was accompanied by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Media and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the latest case that has been tested positive in Karachi has a history of travel to Iran while the case in Islamabad is a woman who had come for test of the virus.
Dr Mirza, however, made it clear the government was taking all the necessary measures to check the spread and outbreak of the corona virus. “We are taking the National Disaster Management Authority onboard to ensure the availability of preventive masks,” the health adviser said.
After confirmation of the two cases, the tally in Islamabad and Karachi is two each.
Of the first two cases tested positive, Dr Zafar Mirza said one of the two is recovering fast and will soon be discharged while the other in Islamabad is also in stable condition.
They are currently under observation and being given all medical care he said.
Zafar Mirza said that the coronavirus was indeed a glaring truth which had thus far affected 57 countries across the world.
He also urged the nation to remain calm and not to panic as coronavirus spread has not reached an outbreak or epidemic stage. He assured that all basic precautionary methods have been taken to tackle and control the dangerous virus. With regard to shortage of masks in the country, the Special Assistant warned pharmacies against profiteering through the artificial hike in prices of face masks in different cities. He ordered a crackdown on those involved in black marketing for their personal interests of business.
About a question regarding resumption of flights from or to Iran, he said the decision would be made at appropriate hour, similarly Taftan border will also be opened after ensuring the area is purged of virus.
However, he also made it clear mask use is advised only in particular situation for doctors, nurses, paramedical staff or those who have been near to the patients or exposed to public places or gatherings.
Ministry of health is also issuing a pamphlet on Sunday (today) that will give all the details and guidance to the public regarding when they should observe mask and which preventive measures are desired.
