Federal govt takes measures to combat coronavirus

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has addressed an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss preventive measures against deadly coronavirus (NCV) as soon as possible and to draw up a comprehensive plan to resolve the threat.

The meeting would be chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza to make a strategy to combat the coronavirus, according to a notification issued by Prime Minister Office.

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While the meeting would be attended by the director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority, director-general of the National Institute of Health, director-general of the Airport Security Force and director-general for China in foreign affairs federal secretaries for foreign affairs, national health services and other government officials.

The report concluded that China is undergoing NCV epidemic. Due to the presence of a large number of Chinese in Pakistan and frequent travel between China and Pakistan, virus transmission in Pakistan can not be ruled out unless appropriate preventive measures are implemented.

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It was focused that the results of the meeting should be furnished to the PM Office within one week along with firm recommendations.

Previously, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing said in a video statement that Chinese and Pakistani governments are working very closely and that 500 Pakistani people are safe and cared for in Wuhan city of Hubei province.