China Coronavirus outbreak: Pakistan to screen passengers

ISLAMABAD: In wake of Corona virus cases in China, Pakistan is taking urgent pre-emptive measures to deal with the situation.

Dr. Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to PM on Health, reviewed the situation while chairing a high level meeting participated by heads of federal hospitals and health institutions.

He directed to expedite the establishment of a robust surveillance system at all ports of entry before February 8th, 2020 with quarantined areas.

SAPM monitored the situation in the Emergency Operations Centre established in the Ministry of National Health, Services, Regulations & Coordination.

He directed that a dedicated Helpline be established by next week for provision of information on the disease to the general public and health-care providers.

He reviewed measures taken by major hospitals to receive possible cases of Corona virus emphasized that all necessary arrangements be made to receive patients of the disease. SAPM also stressed to accelerate the steps required for public awareness and education related to the symptoms of the disease, preparedness level, mitigation and response in case of any emergency.

Special information stalls should be established in arrival areas of airports for information of travelers. Dr. Zafar Mirza directed that Thermo Guns be made available to screen passengers in addition to Thermo scanners. SAPM further directed that National Institute of Health should act as a hub where all information should be updated.

The meeting was informed that there are at present 890 reported cases of Corona virus with 26 deaths. In addition to a beefed up surveillance mechanism and public awareness, all Provincial Chief Ministers are being advocated to notify a focal person to coordinate with point of entry staff and manage suspected cases of coronavirus infection.

NDMA is also taken on board to support in case of any emergency, the meeting was informed.