Tag: coronavirus

  • Coronavirus: Four Chinese nationals test positive at Lahore’s Services Hospital

    Coronavirus: Four Chinese nationals test positive at Lahore’s Services Hospital

    Four individuals have tested positive out of the 19 Chinese nationals who were tested for the coronavirus at Lahore’s Services Hospital late on Sunday.

    According to Dunya News, the Chinese nationals were working on various projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The patients were shifted to an isolation ward of the hospital.

    According to hospital administration, the Chinese nationals will be kept in the isolation ward for a period of 14 days to stop the spread of the virus.

    Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country rose to 892 after Punjab and Sindh reported new cases in the province on Tuesday.

    According to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar, there are 176 confirmed cases of the virus in Dera Ghazi Khan, 51 in Lahore, five in Gujrat, six in Gujranwala, three in Jhelum, two each in Rawalpindi and Multan and one case each in Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Rahim Yar Khan and Sargodha.

    Sindh remains the worst affected province by the coronavirus in the country so far, with a total of 399 coronavirus cases. In Karachi alone, the numbers of cases of the virus are 130, with the majority said to be cases of “local transmission”.

    According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Health Department, the number of cases in the province stands at 38 after four new patients were reported earlier this week, while the number of reported cases in Gilgit-Baltistan (GM) is 80.

    Balochistan has reported 108 cases, while one case has been reported from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In Islamabad, 15 patients have been confirmed to have contracted the virus, Geo reported.

    The country has also reported six deaths from the virus.

  • Coronavirus: Army confirms helping govt with lockdown

    Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar has said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has issued directions for troops and medical resources to be deployed “as per need” in order to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

    Addressing a press briefing Monday, he said that the government had summoned the army for assistance in accordance with the constitution. “This is the time to take tough and difficult decisions on an individual, familial and societal basis,” chief of the military’s media wing said.

    He said coronavirus was a danger that “we have never seen in our lifetimes” but that Pakistan Army is fully aware of its duty and would counter the pandemic with the nation’s help.

    Maj Gen Iftikhar said he wished to apprise the country’s citizens of the military’s efforts in the war against COVID-19, which has so far infected 882 people and left at least six people dead.

    The borders have been closed as a preventive measure but “the actual border is between the man and the coronavirus, which we have yet to take control of”, he said.

    “This will only be possible through self-discipline and cooperation. The best defense against the coronovirus is cooperation,” he said, adding that Pakistan was facing a serious challenge and that only with the people’s belief in the state could this problem be resolved.

    “Pakistan Army is well aware of its responsibility and will bring all of its resources to use,” he said, assuring the citizens that the army was standing alongside its people.

    “Despite being deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) and the western border, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Javed Qamar Bajwa has directed that all available soldiers and the Army’s medical resources be deployed to tackle the coronavirus,” he noted.

    “According to the notification issued by the federal and provincial governments, only hospitals, shops selling food items, medical stores, and food and medicine manufacturing industries would only remain open, while schools shall remain closed,” he added.

    Maj Gen Iftikhar stressed that the petrol pumps and markets would remain open only according to the timings issued by the respective provincial governments.

    The spokesperson also mentioned that Gen Bajwa had decided to donate one month’s salary to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, while personnel between the ranks of Brig to Lt Gen would donate three days’ worth of their salaries. The personnel below the Col rank and soldiers would donate two and one days’ worth of their salaries, respectively, he added.

    Maj Gen Iftikhar also urged people to follow the guidelines issued by health authorities and the government.

    With regard to the Pakistan Day, he said the citizens — the heirs of those who fought for the country’s independence — “face a new challenge, an evil that has taken over the entire world … so much so that even the developed nations seem powerless against COVID-19”.

    The army spokesperson added that there was a need for everyone to once again unite with a passion for safe Pakistan. “Today is also a day to remember our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, who, despite being helpless in the face of the worst state-sanctioned terrorism and this natural disaster, are an example of resistance in their fight for the right to self-determination,” he added.

    “People of the occupied Kashmir will be successful in their struggle,” he added.

  • Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui’s coronavirus test results are in

    Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui’s coronavirus test results are in

    Superstars Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui, who self-isolated themselves upon their return from the United States, have tested negative for COVID-19.

    In a social media update, Humayun shared that his and Adnan’s reports have come back negative and that they will complete their 14 days in quarantine. Hira Mani who was also with them on this trip has also tested negative.

    Humayun and Adnan returned from the US on March 19 and went straight to a hotel to self-isolate after they landed at Karachi Airport.

    Read more – Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui are going into self-isolation together

    The duo has been sharing updates on social media as they isolate and have remained connected with their fans.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B96s6B1HIw1/

    The actors also urged their followers to take the novel coronavirus seriously and take all the necessary precautions to save themselves from the highly-contagious disease.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Ew8AbncHY/
  • Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic raise awareness about corona pandemic

    Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic raise awareness about corona pandemic

    Top tennis stars Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have sent messages of encouragement while addressing the coronavirus pandemic.

    Federer released a social media video as part of a national public campaign, telling people to follow the recommended guidelines.

    “I’m also staying home, and I haven’t been shaking anybody’s hands for quite a lot time now,” he said. “I wash my hands very frequently as we’re supposed to, again and again. I believe helping each other is important more now than ever, especially because we want to help the older generation…we need to help them by keeping a distance of two meters and not shake hands.

    “We need to take this very seriously.”

    Nadal sent a video message in Spanish to health and safety workers.

    “I wanted to send a message of thanks to all the doctors, nurses and all the health personnel who are all protecting us, and to the police forces, civil and national guard, the army, and all those who make us feel a little safer, who are in the first line of fire,” Nadal said. “They are our heroes. I want to express my admiration and thank you all.”

    He also spoke of the solidarity in Spain, which has been the second-most affected country in Europe.

    “There are also positive things in these difficult times. We are demonstrating to be a united people,” he said.

    Nadal won the title at Acapulco just before the tour suspension began.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-A3UVNoXcq/

    Novak Djokovic, who had not dropped a match all season, also told his followers to listen to the guidelines.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CQ5WAnNz-/

    “This is a time for us all to get together and unite. Let’s really try to spend quality time with our family at home. Please stay at home in quarantine and help frontline medical people to help the people infected and in need,” he said.

    All tour events through the clay season have been postponed or cancelled until June 8. The tours have also announced their decision to freeze the rankings.

  • PCB converts Karachi high-performance centre into temporary lodging for paramedics

    PCB converts Karachi high-performance centre into temporary lodging for paramedics

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on a request from the Sindh Government, has agreed to convert its Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre as a temporary living area for paramedic staff working at the makeshift hospital at Expo Centre, Karachi.

    In a press release, PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said: “All the paramedic staff are our heroes as in these challenging and difficult times, they are risking their lives to save the lives and wellbeing of many affected by COVID-19.”

    “As a small token of our appreciation and acknowledgement to these unsung heroes and as part of our duty of care, the PCB is pleased to offer its state-of-the-art Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre as temporary lodging and boarding for the paramedic staff working at Expo Centre hospital so that they can serve those suffering from COVID-19 more effectively and efficiently,” he added.

  • Coronavirus: Info Ministry shares fake news about Chinese help, then deletes tweet

    Coronavirus: Info Ministry shares fake news about Chinese help, then deletes tweet

    In a rather embarrassing development for the government, the Information Ministry has shared fake claims regarding Chinese help for Pakistan amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus — COVID-19 — and later deleted its tweet.

    As per the details, the Information Ministry, which is responsible to release government information to the public and international communities, on Sunday in a now-deleted tweet claimed that 200 Chinese doctors had reached Islamabad to help the country fight the coronavirus pandemic.

    It also said that China was providing Pakistan with $34 million for treatment of the infected.

    The same was tweeted by Radio Pakistan as well.

    Since the the national public broadcaster for radio also deleted its tweet, an archived version of it can be viewed here.

    Speaking to The Current, an official, on the condition of anonymity, confirmed not only that the two claims were fake, but also that the tweets had been deleted after it was pointed out.

    They, however, said that China had given Pakistan $4 million in aid and the claim pertaining to the provision of 300,000 medical face masks besides 10 ventilators was also true.

    This was confirmed by Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar as well.

    Taking to Twitter, he wrote:

    “They have also undertaken to arrange for much greater number of ventilators,” the minister added.

  • VIDEO: Minister Saeed Ghani tests positive for coronavirus

    VIDEO: Minister Saeed Ghani tests positive for coronavirus

    Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani tested positive for coronavirus on Monday. 

    The minister tweeted a video message to reveal that he had tested positive for the virus.

    “The previous day I got myself tested for the coronavirus and the results came back positive,” he said. “However, I am not feeling any of the symptoms of the virus and feel completely fine.”

    In the video message, Ghani went on to advise people he came into contact with a few days ago to isolate themselves and go into quarantine. 

    “If your health deteriorates further, please get yourselves checked by a doctor,” he said. “I consider it my responsibility to inform people so that those who came into contact with me can also quarantine and self-isolate themselves as I may have transmitted the infection to them.”

  • Fact Check: Does Sana Hashwani of ‘Sana Safinaz’ have COVID-19?

    Fact Check: Does Sana Hashwani of ‘Sana Safinaz’ have COVID-19?

    Claim: Sana Hashwani of the clothing brand Sana Safinaz has COVID-19

    Fact: Sana Safinaz verified through a public announcement on their Instagram that she did not contract the virus

    While dealing with the coronavirus pandemic is stressful enough, the misinformation and fake information that comes along with it is even more nerve-wrecking.

    Late last week, rumours were doing the rounds that Sana Hashwani, who is the co-owner of the fashion brand Sana Safinaz has been tested positive for the coronavirus. It was also being said that her daughter also has it and that the two attended a party despite knowing.

    Below is a screenshot of a message that was being circulated on social media.

    screenshot in social media circulation

    Following this, the brand posted an official announcement clarifying that the designer did not have the novel coronavirus and urged people not to spread misinformation. Sana’s medical reports were also shared as further proof.

    “Sana returned from the UK and took a test as a precaution so as to not endanger family members with compromised immunity,” the statement read. “She has tested negative but nonetheless placed herself under self-isolation as any sensible person returning from abroad should do at this time.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-C9G4IgJXL/?utm_source=ig_embed

    The brand also urged the public to be more careful while sharing information and passing on “unverified slander and gossip.”

    VERDICT: FALSE

  • ‘China manipulated number of COVID-19 infections for president’s visit’

    ‘China manipulated number of COVID-19 infections for president’s visit’

    The number of novel coronavirus patients in Wuhan, the epicenter of China’s virus outbreak, was manipulated in time for President Xi Jinping’s visit last week, a local doctor was quoted as saying by Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

    According to the Japanese media outlet, a number of symptomatic patients were abruptly released from quarantine early while a portion of testing was suspended.

    China’s health authorities had last Thursday reported no new cases of coronavirus in Wuhan, marking the first time for the city to have no instances of local transmission since the viral epidemic began late last year.

    But the doctor, who works at a quarantine facility, said the government tally “cannot be trusted.”

    The number of patients currently undergoing treatment is deliberately being reduced in an effort to show the Xi government’s success in combatting the epidemic, he said.

    The doctor, whose responsibilities include determining whether a patient is discharged from a hospital, expressed strong concerns that if the truth remains hidden from the public, another outbreak could occur.

    Guidelines from the National Health Commission stipulate that patients must test negative for the virus twice and be cleared for pneumonia via a computerised tomography — imaging through X-rays or ultrasound — scan before being discharged.

    But according to the doctor, from around the time of Xi’s visit, even though his patients still exhibited signs of pneumonia, the patients were released from quarantine at the discretion of a “specialist” from the epidemic prevention and control authority.

    From then on, the criteria for discharging patients became loose, and “a mass release of infected patients began,” he said.

    Also, patient interviews with those exhibiting symptoms such as fever were simplified, and blood tests to detect antibodies produced during infection were discontinued. As a result, “suspected patients were released back into society,” he said.

    Xi, on March 10, made his first visit to the central Chinese city of Wuhan since the outbreak began, emphasizing the government’s achievements in its epidemic prevention and control efforts.

    According to the National Health Commission, nearly 58,000 people have been discharged from hospitals in Hubei Province, where Wuhan is the capital. Beginning in mid-March, the number of new infections in Wuhan has stayed below a dozen patients a day.

  • Military discusses assisting govt in war on coronavirus

    Military discusses assisting govt in war on coronavirus

    The top military brass has held a special meeting to discuss the measures taken by the military to support the federal and provincial governments in the fight against the coronavirus.

    According to the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), corps commanders took part in the meeting via videolink.

    The commanders expressed resolve to assist the government in its efforts to contain the pandemic. It may be noted here that Punjab and Balochistan government have sought the army’s help to impose the lockdown in the provinces.

    On Saturday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa directed the Pakistan Army to fast-track operations to help out the civil administration as the country grapples with a rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak.

    “As a follow up of National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting on March 20 chaired by the Prime Minister Imran Khan and COAS’ meeting with PM, the COAS directs for stepping up Army’s assistance to civil administration for containment of COVID-19,” the military’s media-wing had said in a statement.