This Is What We Know So Far About The Coronavirus Outbreak In Pakistan

Coronavirus outbreak in China has reportedly risen to 2,744 cases while the death toll has jumped to 80. Concerns are increasing globally as the virus has already traveled to Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, the United States, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, France, Canada and Australia.

This medic in China was infected while treating patients with the new coronavirus.

The death toll has jumped to 81, with Chinese authorities saying there are now more than 2,700 confirmed cases. pic.twitter.com/p63MMZsfEy

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 27, 2020

With a huge flux of Chinese in Pakistan, the country remains at a high risk of being affected by the deadly coronavirus.

And ever since there have been reports that suggest “four suspected” cases in the country, Pakistan is on high alert.

Bolo Jawan also received a medical receipt from a reliable government source confirming that a Chinese national with symptoms similar to coronavirus had received treatment at Services Hospital, Lahore.

At the official front, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health, Dr. Zafar Mirza has denied the presence of any patients with coronavirus on Pakistani soil.

He took to Twitter and said that “a part of media is incorrectly reporting about diagnosis of a first case of novel coronavirus in Pakistan.”

173/ A part of media is INCORRECTLY reporting about diagnosis of a first case of novel corona virus in Pakistan. We expect responsible reporting by media. Please do not add to nation’s anxiety about nCoronavirus and should meticulously check facts before reporting. Thank you !!

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) January 25, 2020

He further clarified that a Chinese citizen with symptoms similar to the deadly virus has been kept in quarantine at Nishtar Hospital, Multan and is improving after medication.

175/ Chinese kept in isolation in Nishtar Hospital, Multan is improving. No signs of sever acute respiratory infection. He is being managed in line with standard protocol as a suspect. Alhamdolilah, Pakistan does not have any nCronavirus patient until now, and we are alert!

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) January 25, 2020

While talking about the Pakistani students residing in China, Mr. Zafar said that no case of coronavirus has been reported among them.

Read: Here’s How The Deadly Coronavirus In China Can Be Fatal To Pakistan

He further encouraged the Pakistani students in China to register with the Pakistan Embassy in case they hadn’t already. He reassured that the government is “closely monitoring the situation.”

177/ Pk Students in China have been informed about the protective measures & they should follow the instructions & be patient. Those still not registered with🇵🇰 Embassy in Beijing should do so at https://t.co/c7IKMIaSfn Be assured we are closely monitoring the situation.

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) January 26, 2020

Earlier, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination established emergency rooms for mandatory health screening of all flights coming from China.

170/ #coronavirus vigilance update: screening at the airports is effectively happening. Dr Yasmine Rashid, popular Health Minister of Punjab being screened through thermogun this morning at Lahore airport! pic.twitter.com/nTVSWwmOD2

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) January 24, 2020

Even though there hasn’t been any confirmed cases in Pakistan, it still remains at a huge risk because almost 5 million people left the Wuhan city before it was put under lock-down.

Also, the incubation period of the coronavirus remains unknown. Some sources say it could be between 10 to 14 days, which makes it hard to diagnose the disease at an early stage.