Shafaqna Pakistan:Seven new cases have surfaced in pilgrims who were put in quarantine at Taftan border on returning from Iran, jumping the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 28 in Pakistan, State Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed on Friday.
Addressing a news conference, flanked by PM’s Special Assistant on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan and SAPM on National Security Moeed Yusuf, Dr Mirza said a minor boy and his attendee woman are among those tested positive.
He said that a mobile laboratory has been established at Taftan border to treat any such cases. “All 28 cases are travellers,” the de facto health minister maintained.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a mysterious pneumonia-like disease caused by the coronavirus, a pandemic.
Originated in China late last year, the pandemic has so far claimed 5,118 lives while hitting more than 115 countries around the world.
Out of total 139,356 infected, around 70,729 have so far recovered.
The press conference was organised to brief the media on decision taken by the top civil and military leadership of the country during the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, held in Islamabad earlier today.
Dr Mirza said the civil-military huddle has decided to formulate National Coordination Committee for COVID-19, the first meeting of which will be convened by him on Saturday. The committee will review the overall situation with regards to coronavirus outbreak on a daily basis, he added.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is designated the lead operation agency to contain coronavirus in the country, he said.
Border closure
The NSC huddle, he said, has decided to check inflow of people arriving from countries hit by virus. “Therefore, the western border with Iran and Afghanistan will be completely seized for two weeks from March 16,” he maintained.
“In these two weeks we will ensure that effective measures are taken to check and examine people coming from Torkham, Chaman and Taftan borders,” he added.
Dr Mirza said Taftan border will be closed for trade and travels while Chaman border is already shut for travels and the situation will be reviewed after two weeks in this connection.
He said several people also cross these borders to travel to other countries, which would also be brought to an end.
Briefing about the Taftan quarantine facility which was established for a 14-day isolation period, Dr Mirza said that 6,000 pilgrims who were kept there after arriving from Iran are now being transported to their respective areas in the country. “Provincial governments will further examine these people as per their specific needs,” he added.
The SAPM on heath said only three airports — Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad — are allowed for arrival and departure of international flights to ensure less entry points to the country. “This will also be reviewed as time progresses,” he added.