Different measures have been taken to keep Pakistan safe from coronavirus: Zafar Mirza.

ISLAMABAD -- Special Assistant to PM on National Health Services Dr. Zafar Mirza has said different measures have been taken to keep Pakistan safe from the coronavirus. He once again stated that no case of coronavirus has yet been confirmed in the country.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Saturday,

Dr. Zafar Mirza said that so far, it had been confirmed that 11,947 people were affected with the coronavirus, out of which 249 had died. He added that till Thursday, the virus had been detected in 18 countries apart from China and now, after two days, cases of the virus have been detected in 27 countries.

"It has now been transferring from human to human. It means that a person affected with the virus can also become a source for transfer of the virus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the situation an emergency of international concern. Being a responsible nation, Pakistan wants to take steps that ensure safety of maximum people.

Dr. Zafar Mirza announced that no Pakistani will be allowed to travel back to the country from China till they complete a 14-day observation period.

The SAPM said that the agreement in this regard had been finalised in a meeting held with the Chinese envoy in Pakistan.

However, the official informed reporters that further details of the agreement are still being worked out.

Mirza shared that the policy is being implemented after China declared that no Chinese citizen will be allowed to travel abroad till the completion of the 14-day observation period.

"Those declared free of the virus after the period will be issued with a certificate that assures the airport officials that they are free from the disease," Mirza said.

'Through this one measure we have ensured Pakistan remains free from the disease. Because our case definition says that traveling and staying in China is an important factor [behind the spread of the disease],' said the SAPM.

Dr. Mirza stated that If Pakistan was able to control the disease in Pakistanis present in China, then it has secured the country from the disease, according to the information that doctors have at this point.

Dr. Mirza also shared with the reporters that the country will soon receive the health kits which would allow the country to detect the virus. 'From tomorrow or today we will start carrying out tests to determine the coronavirus,' said Dr. Mirza.

Dr. Mirza also shared that from today onwards the government will launch an awareness campaign on...