Half of Pakistan's cases locally transmitted, says SAPM Mirza

Published April 12, 2020
SAPM Mirza on Sunday warned citizens to take preventive measures against coronavirus seriously. — DawnNewsTV
SAPM Mirza on Sunday warned citizens to take preventive measures against coronavirus seriously. — DawnNewsTV

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza on Sunday warned citizens to take preventive measures against the coronavirus pandemic seriously, cautioning that "what happens over the next few days depends on our actions, whether we take preventive measures or not".

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, he said: "The last 24 hours were heavy, 14 people died. We warned you this would happen," and added that this was why the government was emphasising on the importance of social distancing, staying at home and ensuring proper hand hygiene.

"Coronavirus is a preventable problem and its spread can be stopped if we take proper preventive measures," he said

Talking about the coronavirus situation in the country, Mirza said that nearly half of Pakistan's cases were locally transmitted. He revealed that some 17,332 people were present in quarantine centres across the country out of which 18 per cent tested positive.

The SAPM said that the fatality rate of the novel coronavirus in Pakistan had increased to 1.7 pc after Saturday's deaths while the global fatality rate of the virus was 6.1pc.

Expressing disappointment over "misuse" of N-95 masks, Mirza said that "those who don't have the slightest use of them (N-95 masks) are also wearing them."

He said that the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) was preparing an awareness video which would be released soon but urged people not to spread misinformation on the basis of "incomplete information".

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...