Tag: isolation

  • Fact Check: Monkeypox DID NOT reach Lahore

    Fact Check: Monkeypox DID NOT reach Lahore

    Claim: Two patients with monkeypox have been admitted into Jinnah Hospital

    Fact: Medical Superintendent Jinnah Hosptial confirms that no patients with monkeypox have been admitted

    On May 23, 2022, Dr Farooq Nawaz Sahil, a resident pulmonologist at Services Hospital Lahore tweeted that 2 patients with monkeypox have been admitted to Jinnah Hospital, Lahore and are being treated in the hospital’s isolation ward. ProPakistani, a digital media platform, shared the tweet on its website which became an extremely concerning public health update, reporting the first 2 cases of monkeypox in Pakistan.

    Although shortly after his tweet, Dr Sahil deleted it, the news spread like wildfire, primarily because the residual fear of a global pandemic has not completely worn off.

    The ProPakistani post coincided with the national Institute of Health (NIH) and World Health Organization’s (WHO) warnings to expect a global rise in the number monkeypox cases reported. This made it more likely to be believed and spread a panic within social media users who started sharing it repeatedly. Some of these posts can be found on Facebook and Twitter here, here, here here, here, here, here and here.

    Team Current established correspondence with Jinnah Hospital, Lahore and confirmed with the Medical Superintendent Dr Tahir that no such cases have been reported and in fact this false information has disrupted the hospital’s environment by creating unnecessary panic in citizens in Lahore. National Institute of Health Pakistan also tweeted earlier today, clarifying that no cases of monkeypox have been reported so far.

    Verdict: FALSE

    What is Monkeypox?

    Monkeypox is a virus and a usually self-limited disease with symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. It is transmittable through close contact (lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, bedding) with an infected person or animal. It is a viral zoonotic disease and its clinical representation is similar to smallpox. According to the WHO report, past outbreaks were not extremely widespread and increasingly got better managed with modern medicine.

    In May 2022, multiple cases of monkeypox were identified in several countries where occurence of monkeypox is not a regular phenomenon and so WHO and NIH issued warnings against the disease and suggested strongarming medical screening at border entrances.

  • Peshawar Zalmi’s Tom Kohler-Cadmore ‘happy’ to be in Karachi, isolating in hotel room

    Peshawar Zalmi’s Tom Kohler-Cadmore ‘happy’ to be in Karachi, isolating in hotel room

    English cricketer Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who will be playing for Peshawar Zalmi, has arrived in Karachi for the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and he has said in a video message that he is happy to be here.

    The right-handed batter is in the madatory quarantine in the team hotel room in Karachi and has recorded a message for his fans.

    “It’s been a long journey but happy to be here and can’t wait to go out of the isolation in three-days time and meet up with the lads and get going in the competition,” said Tom in a video shared by Zalmi.

    Pakistan national team pacer Wahab Riaz is leading the Peshawar franchise. According to former Pakistan cricket team captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Zalmi along with Lahore Qalandars have the best team combinations.

    Peshawar had earlier announced that the franchise has retained Liam Livingstone, Wahab Riaz, Haider Ali, Sherfane Rutherford, Shoaib Malik, Saqib Mahmood, and Tom.

    The 2017 champions also picked fast bowler Arshad Iqbal, wicket-keeper-batter Kamran Akmal, and spinner Usman Qadir.

    Akmal, however, was unhappy over being picked in the Silver category and announced his withdrawal from the tournament.

    But Peshawar Zalmi and Kamran Akmal resolved the dispute between them a few days later as Akmal agreed to play for Zalmi in the seventh edition of the PSL.

    Usman Qadir joined Zalmi from Multan Sultans.

    Zalmi will kick off their PSL 7 campaign by taking on Quetta Gladiators on January 28 with the tournament set to be starting from January 27 at the National Stadium Karachi.

  • VIDEO: Babar Azam trains in isolation

    VIDEO: Babar Azam trains in isolation

    Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam is seen training as he is in quarantine for remaining matches of Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) sixth edition in Abu Dhabi.

    “Training must go on,” wrote Babar while sharing the video on social media.

    The captain in the video can be seen doing dips, running, and other fitness-related exercises.

    Earlier, Imam ul Haq had posted a picture of a video conference of himself and other players, who are residing on the same floors of a hotel can’t meet each other for several days on end.

    Haq shared a screenshot of a video call in which the cricketer can be seen interacting with Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Babar and Shoaib Malik.

    It seems as if the screenshot has been taken while the players were having a hearty laugh as everyone, from Azam to Malik, can be seen smiling in the picture.

    “So close, yet so far. Bio-secure bubble at its full flow. We’re all in close proximity. Some even on same floors but still not meeting.

    “Keeping ourselves entertained with video calls, so that we can all entertain you from the ground in a few days,” wrote Imam.

    Meanwhile, Sania Mirza commented on his post and said: “All that is fine but where are your clothes?”

    A few days ago, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had confirmed receiving all the necessary permissions to hold 20 remaining matches the PSL 6 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under strict precautionary measures.

  • Wasim Akram is losing his mind as he quarantines for PSL6

    Wasim Akram is losing his mind as he quarantines for PSL6

    The sixth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is ready to resume in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi shall host the 20 matches at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium from the first week of June. For that all teams and their staff have to go through a week’s isolation to maintain COVID-19 protocols for the tournament. Karachi Kings’ president and former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram is losing his mind in isolation as he is also quarantined for the same.

    “Third day in isolation, seen everything on Netflix, Prime, cable TV and now I think I am about to lose my sh_t,” wrote Akram on Twitter.

    “Suggestions are welcome,” he added.

    Replying to his tweet, Kings’ owner Salman Iqbal said: “Seven more days to go bro! I have some suggestions , will send you a WhatsApp.”

    Fahad Mustafa then dived in and replied to Salman, saying: “I also have some suggestions Salman bhai. Have to share with you before you leave.”

    Akram then replied to Fahad and said: “Salman is not even going into the bubble so don’t waste your ideas on him but I am all ears though.”

    “Third day [and] losing it already, said Wasim being bored-to-tears.

    According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), around 168 people will travel from Lahore on a chartered flight while 65 will leave for Abu Dhabi from Karachi. All the cricketers and coaching staff available in Pakistan for the league have been in quarantine at a local hotel since Monday where the second test of COVID-19 was conducted on Tuesday and their reports will come out before the planes depart for Abu Dhabi.

  • Sharma, Pant others being investigated for possible bubble breach

    Sharma, Pant others being investigated for possible bubble breach

    Five members of the touring Indian team in Australia could be part of an investigation after being involved in a potential bio-bubble breach reportedly while interacting with a fan at a Melbourne restaurant on January 1.

    Cricket Australia issued a statement saying that “they were alerted to a video post” of five players – Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw and Navdeep Saini eating at an indoor venue, and that they are investigating the incident along with BCCI to determine a potential breach. In the meantime, as a precautionary measure, the players have been placed under isolation.

    On Friday, tweets by a fan went viral on social media, where he posted a video of the players enjoying a meal in Melbourne. Subsequent tweets by the individual mentioned that he had paid the bill on behalf of the players, following which Sharma interacted with him and Pant “hugged” him, and the team members posed for a photograph.

    While the fan earned plenty of support for his gesture on Twitter, and the story earned considerable traction on Indian media, there were concerns surrounding the safety of the players at a time when the teams have been placed in strict bio-secure bubbles due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

    Soon after reports of the possible breach came to light, the fan seemingly issued a clarification on social media, stating that Pant had not hugged him as tweeted earlier “as it was all said in excitement”, and insisted that there was “social distance maintained all through”.

    Concerns around player safety are serious particularly in Sydney, the venue of the third Test of the ongoing series. With the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in Sydney, there were reports that Melbourne, the venue of the second Test, could host the third Test as well. However, after negotiations between Cricket Australia and authorities in Queensland and New South Wales, Sydney Cricket Ground was retained as the venue for the third game of the series, currently tied 1-1.

    Meanwhile, according to Indian media, the Indian team management believes that the five players were indeed sitting outdoors as is allowed by protocols. They moved indoors only after there was a drizzle. The board is clear that the players did not do any activity that breaches the bio-secure bubble protocols.

  • Wasim Akram urges authorities to look after players’ mental well-being

    Wasim Akram urges authorities to look after players’ mental well-being

    Wasim Akram on Tuesday emphasised on the mental well-being of cricketers going through tough isolation, calling authorities to ensure there are measures that can counter the implications of quarantine restrictions.

    Akram, while speaking to media outlets, maintained that it is never easy for an individual to spend two weeks in isolation, adding that such circumstances can have serious implications on one’s mental health.

    “It is imperative to look after players’ mental well-being in this scenario in order to keep them positive and motivated for the game. There’s a serious need to have a regular psychologist with teams when they travel to new environments,” said the legendary fast bowler.

    “I’m sure seniors like Waqar Younis and Misbah would have spoken to players in New Zealand to keep them motivated during isolation period,” added Akram.

    Calling for a uniform policy worldwide, the former cricketer said that it is never easy for anyone to move from one isolation to another.

    “I think ICC should talk to governments in this regard,” he shared.

    Green shirts were kept in strictly managed isolation in New Zealand for the last 14 days before the isolation period ended today (Tuesday). The team has been in a biosecure bubble since summer, playing back-to-back cricket.

    Akram also said that New Zealand team is in good form and Pakistan will have a tough time in the upcoming series.

    Akram’s remarks come after two England cricketers recently pulled out of Big Bash League in Australia complaining of biosecure bubble fatigue.

  • Here’s how Nida Yasir is spending her time in quarantine

    Here’s how Nida Yasir is spending her time in quarantine

    After testing positive for COVID-19, Nida Yasir, Yasir Nawaz and their daughter Silah have been quarantining at their home in Karachi.

    On Tuesday, the couple celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary while isolating and decided to go live on Instagram to celebrate with their fans.

    Read more – Nida Yasir reveals why she doesn’t allow male fans to take pictures with her

    The couple shared that they are doing well and are overwhelmed with the love and good wishes they have received in the past few days.

    “Thanks to Allah, we are doing well,” said Yasir.

    “We will always remember our 18th wedding anniversary because at this point we have spent thirteen full days together and have not had a single fight during this period,” laughed Yasir.

    Nida also shared that in these twelve to thirteen days of quarantine, she has been binge-watching Diriliş: Ertuğrul and thoroughly enjoyed the series.

    “My quarantine partner was actually Ertuğrul,” shared Nida.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CA7s-CgA3_P/

    Nida and Yasir also shared a video from their quarantine anniversary celebrations.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CA7vMREB92B/

    Meanwhile, Nida also requested their fans to pray for their good health.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-T5jnp38t/
  • Coronavirus patients can now stay at home in Punjab

    Coronavirus patients can now stay at home in Punjab

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar has given his permission for coronavirus patients with mild symptoms to quarantine themselves at home rather than being admitted to a government facility.

    According to a notification issued by the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, the Punjab chief minister, on the directions of corona expert advisory group and technical working group, has advised for following standard operating procedures (SOPs), devised by the International Health Organisation (IHO) for home isolation.

    He said that the patient would be kept in isolation under the supervision of the district health authority concerned in his or her house where all necessary facilities were available.

    He said that such hotels, school buildings, mosques, hostels and community centres could also be used for isolation where all necessary facilities were provided by the government which would also take the responsibility to disinfect the buildings on a daily basis.

    “However, buildings, where cooling and heating systems can cause the spread of the virus, cannot be used for isolation,” he made it clear.

    Buzdar said that solid waste of patients would be disposed of according to the given guidelines.

    The CM said that food would be provided to the patient in only disposable packs. He said that decision of home isolation of any patient would be made by home isolation committee, formed by the assistant commissioner of the area and assistant commissioner or his representative, DDO Health and chief officer of the area concerned would be members of the committee.

    “Population Welfare, Livestock, Excise and Taxation staff would monitor and report about the isolation committee and three isolation committees would be formed in one union council in which at least one doctor would also be a member of the committee, whereas one committee would be constituted in a rural union council with one doctor in it,” the CM said.

    The chief minister said that the committee would also review space for keeping patients in home isolation according to the number of family members whereas the family would be informed about the SOPs before allowing any patient home isolation.

    “The patient would be bound to inform the authorities about his condition on a daily basis and testing protocol would be mandatory for the patient,” he said.

    The chief minister said that the period of home isolation would be for 10 days and for removal of home isolation conditions, the patient had to show at least two negative corona tests and after the termination of home isolation, another test would be conducted after five days.

    In case of non-availability of the test, the patient would have to stay in quarantine for more than two weeks.

  • Shah Mahmood Qureshi in self-isolation after China return

    Shah Mahmood Qureshi in self-isolation after China return

    Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who on Wednesday morning returned from his trip to Beijing, has confirmed that he is in self-isolation as per instructions of the Pakistani government.

    Speaking to SAMAA TV, FM Qureshi, who was accompanied by President Arif Alvi and Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, said that he had self-isolated himself since the government had advised everyone returning from abroad to self-isolate in case they had contracted the new coronavirus — COVID-19.

    “Before leaving we did a swab test here and when we landed, Chinese officials took our blood samples. They both came back negative and we took another blood test after our meeting with President Xi Jinping. The results of the second test haven’t come back yet,” the minister said.

    However, he decided to isolate himself as a precaution for a few days. “My only interactions are over the phone,” he said, adding that he would undergo another swab test within five days. “I am going to follow protocol.”

    The delegation had on Monday reached China on a two-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese president.

    It was warmly welcomed by Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Han Changfu, Pakistan Ambassador to China Naghmana Alamgir Hashmi and other senior officials of the Chinese government as well as the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing.

    Other than signing multiple agreements to enhance cooperation between the two countries, the visit was aimed at expressing solidarity with China amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak.