Tag: coronavirus

  • Is Meera lying about being stranded in New York?

    Is Meera lying about being stranded in New York?

    Earlier this week, a video of an emotional Meera appealing to Prime Minister Imran Khan to bring her back home went viral on social media. In the video, Meera had said that she was stranded in New York for the past two months and that she was running out of resources and funds to sustain herself. Meera urged the Government of Pakistan to facilitate her journey back home as soon as possible because New York was turning into a graveyard and she did not want to die in a foreign land.

    Read more – Meera says she wants to die in her own country, appeals to PM Imran for help

    Soon after Meera’s video went viral, several media outlets reported that the actor is not telling the truth and that she is in fact at her husband and father-in-law’s house in New York. The media reports also suggested that her video was shot in a room at their house and not in a hotel room as she claimed.

    Furthermore, Meera in her first video had also said that she had travelled to the US with Humayun Saeed and that while he had managed to return home she was left behind. However, Humayun Saeed while speaking to GNN stated that he had gone to the US with Adnan Siddiqui and Hira Mani for Meray Paas Tum Ho shows. He said that Meera was not part of their contingent and that he had met her last six months ago. Humayun further shared that Meera had approached him for a film but because he was busy with the shoot of London Nahi Jaunga, he has to turn down her offer.

    Following the reports and speculations, Meera, in another video message denied the rumours and called out those spreading false information.

    “In my video, I had asked requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to bring me home. As a Pakistani, it is my right,” she said. “This is not the time to mock or ridicule people.”

    Slamming those twisting her story, Meera further said that the Pakistan embassy in New York knows of her whereabouts and that she is grateful to Council General Ayesha Ali [for her help].

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_TeQ5JH-2V/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Meanwhile speaking on Bakhabar Savera among other media outlets, Meera further clarified that the videos of her enjoying BBQ parties were from a few days back and that for the past one week, she has been stuck in a hotel in New York.

    Meera also shared a series of erratic social media updates.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Tf7NbnHEe/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Th88YjQvQ/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ToAyijNqT/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_T_HyYDBFl/
  • Top doctors, healthcare professionals ask for strict countrywide lockdown

    Top doctors, healthcare professionals ask for strict countrywide lockdown

    Senior doctors and top healthcare professionals issued a stern warning on Wednesday and appealed to the federal and provincial governments to reconsider relaxation in lockdown given that they fear a spike in coronavirus cases in the country. Doctors said easing relaxation could prove disastrous for Pakistan.

    Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Dr Saad Niaz said that from April 16-April 21, cases have increased around 40 percent.

    “If we don’t strictly enforce lockdown measures, the projected number of coronavirus cases may go up to 70,000 by May 15,” he stated.

    Dr Saad also said that we don’t have the testing capacity. “We are not safe. These are just myths. If there had been no lockdown initially, things would have been worse…Wards are already saturated. We have more patients under the age of 60 than in western countries. We have to realise that we don’t have enough healthcare facilities to cope with cases…In fact, severity is much more than what we think.”

    He said that more than 162 healthcare workers have been tested positive for COVID-19 in Sindh alone. “Don’t take this lightly based on myths. Neither is there any cure nor do we have the capacity to cope with the cases. Lockdown helped contain the spread. The only thing that can help is complete social distancing and lockdown. We know that at least 200 people have died of coronavirus in the last month alone. We don’t want to get to a point where we will be treating people on the roads or deciding who to save – the 35-year-old patient or the 55-year-old one. We are taking risks. It is very depressing for us to see that everything is being opened while we are at the frontline of this war against corona.”

    Watch the complete video of doctor’s press conference here.

    Meanwhile, Dr Atif Siddiqui said that doctors are there for you but please stay at home. “We are running out of beds. We need to understand why the number of cases are increasing.”

    The list of demands by healthcare professionals included :

    • Strict enforcement of lockdown and prevention of congregation of all sorts
    • People will have to cooperate. Do not leave your houses
    • Request the business community to reconsider opening businesses
    • Appeal to religious scholars to review decision to keep mosques open
  • What protects Pakistan from COVID-19?

    What protects Pakistan from COVID-19?

    The first case of COVID-19 was reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late November 2019. Since then, the virus has spread across the globe, infecting over 2.5 million people as of April 22.

    However, the disease that has wreaked havoc in the developed world, has failed to prove as severe in a developing country like Pakistan. While the number of confirmed cases has risen far beyond a few hundred thousands in countries such as the United States (US) and Italy, Pakistan’s tally of COVID-19 cases stands at a relatively meager rate of 10,072 of which 2,156 have recovered and 212 have lost their lives.

    This raises an interesting question: how has a country with far less resources successfully weathered a storm that has brought wealthier states to their knees?

    The first possible explanation can be that the countries’ populace is more resistant to being infected by the virus. Usually, this resistance can only be imparted to humans based on previous exposure to the organism, which is also the basis of most vaccinations used to immune the masses.

    The second possibility can be other diseases and vaccines that most probably granted resistance to people living in these areas.

    Many diseases are endemic to this part of the World. Tuberculosis is one of the most commonly seen conditions, the treatment of which is also available. The Bacillus-Calmette Guerin (BCG) Vaccine is mandatory for newborns in countries such as Pakistan, India and Nigeria.

    This same vaccine, however, is not mandatory in the developed world. It seems that countries that administer the BCG vaccine have reported far less cases of COVID-19 than those who do not.

    No direct evidence, however, has so far surfaced in this regard.

    Another disease endemic to these parts of the world is Malaria. At least 19 countries, including Pakistan bear 98 per cent of the global Malaria burden and hydroxychloroquine is used to treat it.

    It has been observed that countries, where Malaria is rampant and hydroxychloroquine is routinely administered to patients, have encountered far less cases of COVID-19. Pakistan, India and Nigeria are among these countries. Unfortunately, just like the BCG vaccine, the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID-19 cases has not yet been proven, but it has been approved for use in emergency cases by the US’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    The diseases commonly encountered in a region are not the only distinctive feature of the environment of that region — a widely held perception is that COVID-19 is less dangerous in warmer parts of the world. It is to be noted that warmer countries have also been hit by the pandemic.

    Several other factors can be at play here.

    Perhaps a less virulent strain of COVID-19 is encountered by people in these regions?

    COVID-19 exists as two strains; a less common S-type strain (seen in 30% of COVID-19 cases) which was the original strain, and the more frequently encountered L-type strain (inflicting 70% of COVID-19 cases).

    The World Health Organization (WHO) believes it is natural for viruses to mutate from one form to another and no strain is particularly more dangerous than the other. Age may play an important role in how rapidly the virus spreads as countries such as Italy and France, which have a higher percentage of old people, have fared worse against COVID-19 than countries such as Pakistan with a younger population.

       

    There is also the possible case that less people are being tested for COVID-19 in developing countries leading to a lower number of confirmed cases. It must be noted, however, that the mortality rate is lower as well.

    Clearly more research has to be conducted into what has allowed countries such as Pakistan to handle the COVID-19 pandemic better than the others across the globe. It could be any one of the factors discussed here or a combination of the variables that allowed it to withstand the worst of the COVID-19 situation.

  • Mahira Khan, Mansha Pasha applaud healthcare workers fighting on the frontlines

    While most of us remain isolated in our homes, healthcare workers and doctors across the world are putting their lives at risk and are fighting on the frontlines against the pandemic. Mahira Khan and Mansha Pasha recently paid homage to those by sharing personal stories.

    Mahira shared that her baby cousin, Mehek is “fighting every day to save lives.”

    “Meko, I’m saluting you, thanking you and hugging you. I love you,” wrote the actor, adding, “Also a big big thank you to all the healthcare workers in Pakistan and around the world for standing on the frontlines of this pandemic.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_P6BZsB_xc/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Meanwhile, Mansha said that she will share stories of frontline heroes.

    Here are some of the stories she shared:

    Earlier, Mansha had also revealed that her sister was a doctor in the United Kingdom and in a live session with The Current shared how tough it can for the workers as well as their families who are worried about their safety and health. She also said that the UK also lacks proper protective gear. But despite all the odds, her sister and other healthcare workers continue to fight against the virus which has killed thousands across the world.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-m_Vt1lEic/
  • COVID-19: Flight carrying medical supplies from China draws heart over hospitals for healthcare workers

    COVID-19: Flight carrying medical supplies from China draws heart over hospitals for healthcare workers

    A pilot of Icelendair —  flag carrier airline of Iceland — has drawn a heart in the sky over hospitals in the capital city of Reykjavík to thank healthcare workers for their bravery and dedication during the coronavirus pandemic.

    According to The Reykjavík Grapevine — an Icelandic magazine –, during a recent flight from China, the anonymous pilot of the Boeing 767 aircraft drew a large heart with the plane’s flight path. It was an important journey of nearly 5,600 miles, as the Icelendair flight was importing much-needed medical supplies.

    Before the flight landed, the plane doubled back to doodle a heart above two of the capital city’s hospitals. Though the change in course reportedly added another nine minutes to the flight, it was a heartfelt salute for the nation’s healthcare personnel.

    The plane marked the last of three flights from China that have carried a total of some 50 tonnes of various medical supplies, including masks and protective suits, intended for Iceland’s healthcare workers treating those infected with the coronavirus.

    As of Wednesday, 1,778 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus had been reported in Iceland. The viral disease has also claimed the lives of at least ten people in the Nordic island nation.

  • PM Imran to be tested for COVID-19

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan will undergo the test for the new coronavirus after Edhi Foundation Chairperson Faisal Edhi, who had met the premier last week, tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the day.

    According to the PM’s focal person on coronavirus, Dr Faisal Sultan, the premier has been advised to get himself tested as a precautionary measure after Edhi tested positive days after meeting him to donate Rs10 million to the government’s virus relief fund.

    Edhi is in Islamabad at the moment and had insisted on being tested since he had been on the ground working with patients. His family will also undergo a test for the virus.

    Edhi had traveled to Lahore and then to Islamabad, where he had met the premier and donated a Rs10 million check on behalf of his organisation, Geo reported.

    According to his son Saad Edhi, everyone who had come in contact with him will be tested for the virus, while the social worker remains in isolation and constant contact with his doctor.

    Edhi says he had started experiencing severe headache and fever on April 16.

    Meanwhile, the host and crew of a TV show, where Edhi had made an appearance last week, has already taken the tests and advised to stay at home till results arrive.

    ‘PAKISTAN AN INDEPENDENT NATION, CAN’T STOP WORSHIPPERS’:

    Separately, the premier said the government “will take action” if safety precautions agreed upon by ulema were not followed. 

    He said that Pakistan was an “independent nation” and it could not force worshippers to not pray in mosques. 

    “The war for coronavirus is being fought by the entire country. It will not differentiate between the rich and the poor. It can happen to anyone,” he said, adding that ulema had signed a 20-point agreement with President Arif Alvi, under which mosques will be reopened with special measures in place. He, however, urged people to pray at home. 

    “I would urge my Pakistanis to stay at home and pray,” he said. “Other Muslim countries have urged their citizens to do the same. But if you have to go to mosques, keep this in mind. You will have to obey these conditions,” he added.

    The premier said if people did not follow the safety precautions and cases surged in mosques during Ramzan, the government will have no other option but to take back its decision. “The government will shut mosques if safety precautions are not followed and this was mentioned in the agreement.”

  • PM’s first official visit to Presidency for ‘most important’ meeting with Dr Alvi, ISI chief

    PM’s first official visit to Presidency for ‘most important’ meeting with Dr Alvi, ISI chief

    In what is being called the “most important” meeting, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has called on President Dr Arif Alvi in his maiden official trip to the Presidency, and the two were later joined by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed.

    While an official press release says that the three discussed various domestic and international issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, precautionary arrangements for the forthcoming holy month of Ramzan and Indian aggression against people of held Kashmir, a report has quoted political quarters as terming it a meeting of the big three.

    The report that emphasised on the most important aspect of the gathering, did not drop any hint regarding it.

    The president appreciated the government steps to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country and the PM’s measures for seeking relief in the debt to be paid by the developing countries, the official version maintained.

    Later, the ISI chief also joined the meeting that condemned unprovoked Indian firing along the Line of Control (LoC). They also denounced the usurping of rights of Kashmiris in the garb of coronavirus in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK).

    The premier reportedly thanked the president and lauded his efforts to evolve a consensus among religious quarters regarding prayers and Taraweeh at mosques during Ramzan.

  • Faisal Edhi, who met PM last week, tests positive for coronavirus

    Son of the late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi and incumbent head of the Edhi Foundation, Faisal Edhi, who met Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan at the latter’s office last week, has tested positive for coronavirus, raising concerns over the health of the premier who could have contracted the virus.

    Edhi met Imran on April 15 to donate Rs10 million to the PM’s COVID-19 Relief Fund on behalf of his organisation, and a picture of the meeting had also gone viral over the internet.

    According to reports, he is in Islamabad at the moment and was tested after insisting the same, considering that he has been working in the field. His family and most people he interacted with within the past two weeks, including PM Imran, are also likely to be tested.

    His son Saad Edhi has said that his father started suffering from symptoms last week, soon after meeting the PM.

    “He is doing good and is practising self-isolation without being admitted to any hospital.”

    Earlier, Edhi had trashed criticism surrounding his donation to the government, saying the organisation could not “operate without the government’s help — be it federal or provincial”.

    In a video message shared with Independent Urdu, he had said, “I am glad that we [Edhi foundation] are working with the government.”

    READ: ‘PM didn’t recognise me,’ says Faisal Edhi, who met Imran to donate Rs1 crore

    “Edhi foundation has been working with governments since day one after the emergence of coronavirus [in the country]” he had said, adding that people would suffer if all stakeholders, at this time, did not unite to work together.

  • Meera says she wants to die in her own country, appeals to PM Imran for help

    Meera says she wants to die in her own country, appeals to PM Imran for help

    Meera, who is currently stranded in New York, has appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan to help her get back to Pakistan.

    In a video message sent to Geo News, Meera said that she had gone to the United States to shoot for her upcoming film Long Distance. She shared that while the rest of her colleagues including Humayun Saeed had managed to get back home, she was stranded in New York.

    “It is 2:00 am in New York City and I am stuck in my room and addressing you (PM Imran). I had come to New York with several artists including Humayun Saeed for the shooting of a film and show. My colleagues have gone back to Pakistan but I am stuck in New York,” Meera said in the video adding that she had no savings and was running out of resources.

    Meera elaborated that New York has become one big graveyard and that recently her Chinese cameraman had also passed away. She said that she did not want to die in a foreign country. New York has reported more than 10,000 deaths from COVID-19.

    “Dear prime minister, you have always supported artists. All countries are bringing back their citizens to their homelands. I request you to please make arrangements for my repatriation to Pakistan as I wish to die in my country,” she urged.

    Speaking to this correspondent over the phone, Meera said that all actors have returned but only she and actor Saud, who is currently in Dallas, remain in the United States.

    She appealed to PM Khan and the Government of Pakistan to help her as soon as possible.

    Meanwhile, the cast and crew of Ishrat Made in China who were stranded in Thailand for almost two weeks recently returned on a special flight arranged by the government.

    Read more – Team of ‘Ishrat Made in China’ tested for COVID-19

    Thousand of Pakistanis are stuck in different countries across the world after flights were cancelled due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases. Special Assistant to the PM for Overseas Pakistanis Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari said that more than 6500 Pakistanis will be repatriated on special flights between April 20 and 28. However, there is no flight scheduled for the United States.

  • Maria B pledges 100,000 masks to battle coronvavirus

    Maria B pledges 100,000 masks to battle coronvavirus

    Following the footsteps of Asim Jofa and Deepak Perwani, who are producing hazmat suits for healthcare workers, Maria B has also announced that her brand is producing 1000 masks a day in both cotton and 25 GSM approved fabric. However, her masks are not for healthcare workers.

    Maria has also pledged 100,000 masks “to distribute to as many people as possible and our LEA’s.”

    “Everyone needs to wear a mask. We will get through this together,” asserted the designer.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ANmUapwUd/

    Meanwhile, in a press release, Maria B said, “The brand has always taken steps to help out Pakistan and its people wherever possible. Through our Maria.B Cares initiative we have collaborated with various organisation, government and private sectors in doing what we can, be it fighting against COVID-19, providing rations, healthcare, education or the environment. We do what we can and encourage everyone to join hands and do whatever they can to build a prosperous nation.”

    The press release added that the brand is also working closely with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) by providing them with masks, industrial/pocket sanitizers, PPE suits, gloves, face shields, caps and shoe covers.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ANt2NJ5U5/

    Maria B was recently involved in a controversy after she allowed her cook, who had been tested positive for COVID-19, to travel back home on public transport. Her husband had been arrested for criminal negligence and the incident had sparked national outrage.