With 252 new cases in a day, death toll from corona virus reaches 31.

Byline: Rahul Basharat

ISLAMABAD -- As the number of novel corona virus (COVID-19) cases in the country continued to climb past 2000, the government on Thursday invited ideas from the public in search for a solution to the spreading contagion.

In an online media briefing Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services (NHS) Dr Zafar Mirza said the government and Pakistan National Incubation Center (PNIC) have collaborated and decided to search for solutions with the public's active involvement.

He said that the Ministry of NHS, PNIC along with 23 national and international organizations had provided a platform to researchers, individuals and groups to share their ideas on a 'Hackathon' forum. He clarified that anyone can share an idea on it and the government will provide an opportunity to implement the plan.

Dr Zafar Mirza also said that while some of the areas have been identified by the government as important, plans other than those recommended by the government will be also welcomed. These areas are; determining the authenticity of COVID-19 data and coping with false information, improvement of the supply chain mechanism for food and medicine, ensuring personal hygienic conditions and maintaining cleanliness in cities.

Similarly, ideas have also been invited on provision of Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) to hospital management, and testing and tracing of COVID-19 patients and work from home. To make a submission people have to access the website www.nicpakistan.pk/hackathon and send their program plan to the government through it.

He said that the deadline of the program is April 12. The short-listing will be completed till April 14 and...