Coronavirus in Pakistan

[AamchiMumbaikar]

They have put so many people in tents probably only 1/2 had it now 40 contracted it

 

[the Great Khan]

You might remember the exchange we had the other day in another thread where you thought that we didn't need drastic measures yet. This was the very situation I was warning against. In fact I have very little doubt that this is just the start. We just don't have the resources to slow it down once it starts spreading and thus needed to clamp down as soon as the first cases were reported. It might have sounded drastic and panicky then but it was the only way to stop it from spreading. PSL was just one of the events that needed to be cancelled. We needed to take the steps that we did a couple of days ago, at least 10-15 days ago.

You were right about the army coming in and that will eventually happen. For me that has to happen sooner rather than later as the magnitude of the problem here is very different from the west. It will be carnage if we don't act swiftly.

Yeah, I admit I was one of the complacent ones. I've changed my mind now. We need to clamp this down now or the TTP terrorism campaign will seem like a walk in the park. There is still a very small window of opportunity, once that is gone you may aswell just wait for the bodies to pile up and start digging mass graves.

I was just watching the news and I saw a demo in islamabad for workers pay etc..are these people mad?

The natural compalcency in pakistan will kill mass loads of people. Panic is one thing but urgency is another.

Europe is in big trouble and they have funded public health. Pakistan has nothing close to that.

lack of basic hygiene facilities, basic primary health care. I swear to God swt if we get thousands of deaths, the two parties who have ruled this nation and anyone else should be sent to the gallows.

all this nonsense about the WHO declaring our response the best in the world is a load of **.

106 cases will be 3000-400 by the end of the week or within a week and then what?

We need to lock down Sindh and Balochistan now, not tomorrow not the day after. To hell with baby bhutto and his politics. if he objects they should arrest him and his party cohorts and put them in self isolation. Enough of this nonsense. They need to get mobile testing units out everywhere. Start putting up checkpoints and testing areas , getting whatever healt care facilites that are available on full alert. the country should be moving to a war footing not laughing at Khans hand on heart gesture!!

All public gatherings should be banned and those who defy the ban should be arrested end of. This is no longer a joke. All flights to and from europe should be banned. Ensure masks and sanitisation is distributed.

but alas at the moment its, "au koyi gul nay, marna tay hay naa sirjee, khair ay"

 

[the Great Khan]

They have put so many people in tents probably only 1/2 had it now 40 contracted it

illiterate jahils..they will kill thousands and then the whole country will be quarantined and sanctioned..but "chulta hay yaar, koy baat nahin, theek ho jay gaa jub gurmi paray gi"

 

[amvbfm]

Yeah, I admit I was one of the complacent ones. I've changed my mind now. We need to clamp this down now or the TTP terrorism campaign will seem like a walk in the park. There is still a very small window of opportunity, once that is gone you may aswell just wait for the bodies to pile up and start digging mass graves.

I was just watching the news and I saw a demo in islamabad for workers pay etc..are these people mad?

The natural compalcency in pakistan will kill mass loads of people. Panic is one thing but urgency is another.

Europe is in big trouble and they have funded public health. Pakistan has nothing close to that.

lack of basic hygiene facilities, basic primary health care. I swear to God swt if we get thousands of deaths, the two parties who have ruled this nation and anyone else should be sent to the gallows.

all this nonsense about the WHO declaring our response the best in the world is a load of **.

106 cases will be 3000-400 by the end of the week or within a week and then what?

We need to lock down Sindh and Balochistan now, not tomorrow not the day after. To hell with baby bhutto and his politics. if he objects they should arrest him and his party cohorts and put them in self isolation. Enough of this nonsense. They need to get mobile testing units out everywhere. Start putting up checkpoints and testing areas , getting whatever healt care facilites that are available on full alert. the country should be moving to a war footing not laughing at Khans hand on heart gesture!!

All public gatherings should be banned and those who defy the ban should be arrested end of. This is no longer a joke. All flights to and from europe should be banned. Ensure masks and sanitisation is distributed.

but alas at the moment its, "au koyi gul nay, marna tay hay naa sirjee, khair ay"

Can't really blame you or anyone for that matter. Its human nature. Denial in such cases is a mental defense as the reality can be too difficult to accept. I wasn't even able to convince educated, highly qualified friends and colleagues and even my own family so can't blame you or anyone.

The opportunity was when we identified the first few cases. Ideally we should have initiated screening processes, banned gatherings and introduced social distancing. But we can't totally blame the government either as a lot of this would have been politically impossible at that time both for the provincial and federal governments. So we didn't do that and many infected people got away undetected. Even if we assume that the initial number was 10 and the infection only spreads after 5 days of incubation (not the case i think) and that every person only infects 5 other people that's 25 new infections after 5 days, 125 after 10 and so on. And I have used very conservative numbers here. I am sure the undetected infected cases were a lot more and the every day interactions a lot more as well. So basically there could already be thousands of infected people. Thankfully, the disease isn't very lethal so we haven't seen many deaths but it is beyond doubt that it has spread extensively. Here it is also important to address another thing that people frequently cite to downplay the danger and that is" it isn't very dangerous, we will recover". Yes you will recover but you will infect many in the process and chances are you will infect someone vulnerable, at home or otherwise who won't survive.

We can't see it but things aren't good. Given the size of our population and their illiteracy and poverty any further delays will exacerbate this into a potential disaster. We need a lockdown pretty soon as the containment window has gone (not that we ever had a chance of being in time for that) and now its about flattening the curve. Moreover, with the size and behavior of our population we might also start seeing adverse social and economic effects if the situation gets out of hand.

Regarding screening. That's not happening. We just don't have the resources here. We have tested only a few hundred in the last few days and that won't increase dramatically any time soon.

As for the "marna hai", "aik din to aani hi hai" etc. all that sounds fine until death actually comes knocking. I am not belittling anyone's beliefs here but only addressing the flippancy and casual attitude with which this is being addressed.

I know this is a very grim post and I wish I could have posted something more hopeful and optimistic instead. Alas, this is the cold and harsh reality that we face.

Would request everyone to take this seriously, and take all necessary precautions. Don't follow what anyone says, just go to the WHO website and follow the advice they have. Remember its not just about you, its equally about your loved ones and those who interact with you, so please take this threat seriously for your sake and theirs. I hope and wish everyone remains safe. Take care everyone.

 

[kaayal]

Can't really blame you or anyone for that matter. Its human nature. Denial in such cases is a mental defense as the reality can be too difficult to accept. I wasn't even able to convince educated, highly qualified friends and colleagues and even my own family so can't blame you or anyone.

The opportunity was when we identified the first few cases. Ideally we should have initiated screening processes, banned gatherings and introduced social distancing. But we can't totally blame the government either as a lot of this would have been politically impossible at that time both for the provincial and federal governments. So we didn't do that and many infected people got away undetected. Even if we assume that the initial number was 10 and the infection only spreads after 5 days of incubation (not the case i think) and that every person only infects 5 other people that's 25 new infections after 5 days, 125 after 10 and so on. And I have used very conservative numbers here. I am sure the undetected infected cases were a lot more and the every day interactions a lot more as well. So basically there could already be thousands of infected people. Thankfully, the disease isn't very lethal so we haven't seen many deaths but it is beyond doubt that it has spread extensively. Here it is also important to address another thing that people frequently cite to downplay the danger and that is" it isn't very dangerous, we will recover". Yes you will recover but you will infect many in the process and chances are you will infect someone vulnerable, at home or otherwise who won't survive.

We can't see it but things aren't good. Given the size of our population and their illiteracy and poverty any further delays will exacerbate this into a potential disaster. We need a lockdown pretty soon as the containment window has gone (not that we ever had a chance of being in time for that) and now its about flattening the curve. Moreover, with the size and behavior of our population we might also start seeing adverse social and economic effects if the situation gets out of hand.

Regarding screening. That's not happening. We just don't have the resources here. We have tested only a few hundred in the last few days and that won't increase dramatically any time soon.

As for the "marna hai", "aik din to aani hi hai" etc. all that sounds fine until death actually comes knocking. I am not belittling anyone's beliefs here but only addressing the flippancy and casual attitude with which this is being addressed.

I know this is a very grim post and I wish I could have posted something more hopeful and optimistic instead. Alas, this is the cold and harsh reality that we face.

Would request everyone to take this seriously, and take all necessary precautions. Don't follow what anyone says, just go to the WHO website and follow the advice they have. Remember its not just about you, its equally about your loved ones and those who interact with you, so please take this threat seriously for your sake and theirs. I hope and wish everyone remains safe. Take care everyone.

The bolded part is soo true. Agree with everything you said.

 

[shah_1]

Dr Zafar Mirza should resign for the shambolic faclities offered in Taftan.

We failed and it is out of control. We had two months to prepare.

 

[Syed1]

Dr Zafar Mirza should resign for the shambolic faclities offered in Taftan.

We failed and it is out of control. We had two months to prepare.

I distinctly remember in the "students in China" thread you were going crazy that the government should immediately bring the students back. Now you are singing a different tune.

 

[Abdullah719]

Coronavirus tally crosses 130; Sindh reports sharp increase, KP reports first cases

The number of confirmed cases rose in Pakistan has risen to 137 after a sharp increase in cases was reported among pilgrims who have recently returned from Iran via Taftan.

According to the Sindh Health department, a total of 76 people from Taftan have tested positive for the virus in Sukkur, where they have been quarantined, while there are 27 cases in Karachi and one in Hyderabad.

Fifteen new cases have also been reported by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, all of whom were pilgrims who had returned to Pakistan via Taftan.

Ten cases have been reported by Balochistan, four by Islamabad, three by Gilgit Baltistan and one by Punjab.

The national tally, subsequently, has risen to 137.

First cases reported by KP

The KP Health Minister, Taimur Jhagra, in a tweet confirmed that 15 out of 19 people had tested positive for the virus.

“Just received news that 15 of 19 individuals received in KP from Taftan have tested positive for Corona Virus. These are the first positive cases in KP.”

“They are being well looked after in quarantine in an isolated facility in DI Khan. More details soon,” he said.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/277536-pakistans-coronavirus-tally-crosses-100-as-sindh-reports-88-cases

 

[Syed1]

While the hell are people still coming from Iran????????? [MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION]

 

[shah_1]

I distinctly remember in the "students in China" thread you were going crazy that the government should immediately bring the students back. Now you are singing a different tune.

Confused?

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?291875-Pakistan-refuses-to-evacuate-citizens-from-Wuhan-China-(Coronavirus)&p=10635937#post10635937

Open small shared tents, and no proper toilel faclities is no way to quarantine someone. Almost everyone that was in Taftan has coronavirus. 15 out of 19 from KPK is alarming

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusUpdates?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusUpdates</a><br>Just received news that 15 of 19 individuals received in KP from Taftan have tested positive for Corona Virus. These are the first positive cases in KP. <br>They are being well looked after in quarantine in an isolated facility in DI Khan. More details soon.</p>— Taimur Khan Jhagra (@Jhagra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jhagra/status/1239537478845042694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Sirris]

Govt needs to look at the demographics and see where are areas with a large Shia population since pilgrims from there are most likely to have gone to Iran. Furthermore testing should be done in those region across all communities Shia or not. Those regions should serve as a starting to point.

 

[Syed1]

Good press conference by Sindh CM

Of the latest cases in Sindh coming from Iran they were directly taken to isolation apartments from the Taftan border. In the first batch 291 people arrived from Iran and tests were done on all. The test results have been received for about 110 people off which 50 were positive and results of the rest are awaited. Another batch of about 664 people from Iran is expected to come soon. Same procedure will be followed.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

137 now. Just shut all schools, colleges , restaurants and malls.

Restrict all travel coming from outside and if any pak citizens are coming back, self quarantine for 2 weeks.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

While the hell are people still coming from Iran????????? [MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION]

+100

Iran is a hotspot just ban all travel to and from that place.

 

[Syed1]

137 now. Just shut all schools, colleges , restaurants and malls.

Restrict all travel coming from outside and if any pak citizens are coming back, self quarantine for 2 weeks.

+83 in one day.... all (or I think most) of them are travellers from Iran who were taken directly to quarantine facility from Iran border. Another batch of about 700 people are coming in a day or two. We can easily expect this number to be +500, in a couple of days.

 

[Abdullah719]

While the hell are people still coming from Iran????????? [MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION]

I am not sure if they are still coming. The people who are coming now are the ones who had been quarantined at Taftaan since the end of February. Regardless, the situation is bad. The quarantine doesn't seem to have served any purpose. The authorities have got to ensure that each and every person coming in is tested, and also anyone who they may have come in contact with on the way.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Why did these people travel under current circumstances? Pak govt should not allow any travel to Iran or west Europe unless there is dire emergency like family member death or birth.

Also no shared tents please : facepalm:

 

[Hermoine Green]

144

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Does Pak have 144?

That's alarming.

Did this come from outsiders entering pak or local transmission?

Anyone have an official govt source link for Pak?

 

[Hermoine Green]

Does Pak have 144?

That's alarming.

Did this come from outsiders entering pak or local transmission?

Anyone have an official govt source link for Pak?

From IRAN.

And source link for what??

Virus is spreading in Pakistan now at alarming rate.

 

[Hermoine Green]

While the hell are people still coming from Iran????????? [MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION]

They arent fresh entries, they are those who were quarantined at Taftaan.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

From IRAN.

And source link for what??

Virus is spreading in Pakistan now at alarming rate.

I meant gov link for corona cases, cures, deaths.

Like this - https://www.mohfw.gov.in/

 

[IndianHero]

To be honest there is nothing wrong in shared tents. Quarantine means to isolate people with safe distance from one another. Tents are fastest way to isolate people but please make sure that people live in tents with proper face masks & don't do any wrong touch.

 

[m.shah]

It is becoming scary.

 

[Hitman]

It is becoming scary.

Damn scary!

 

[Hermoine Green]

I meant gov link for corona cases, cures, deaths.

Like this - https://www.mohfw.gov.in/

So far nope. We are relying on Gov officials statements via twitter or press conference.

 

[jusarrived]

Numbers seems to be going up fast both in pak an India last 2 days . Everything should be shut for next 2 weeks , before it gets out of hand .

 

[Sycamore]

This is absolute madness. Why has the border with Iran not been sealed off??? This is not how you deal with a pandemic.

As much as it sucks to be stuck in Iran , it's not worth it to risk the lives of 200 million Pakistanis vs the lives of 4000. These people are selfish and should not have been allowed in the country.

 

[Test lover]

Pakistan’s tally of COVID19 positive cases balloons to 186, a sharp rise of 131 cases in 24 hours.

 

[last_knight]

Pakistan’s tally of COVID19 positive cases balloons to 186, a sharp rise of 131 cases in 24 hours.

It's misleading if we call it a rise of 131. Better description is a 3-Fold rise.

Still these numbers are misleading. 95% Tested ones are those with history of travel to Iran. Selective sample size. We will get a clear picture of trend by weekend only.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Just saw a tweet about this by ANI and i’m seeing a lot of Indians celebrate. Why?
Don’t these bhakts know that there are over a hundred cases in India?

 

[Arsal_AK]

It's not as scary if the cases are all from Taftan and they are kept in isolation. We might still get ahead of this situation.

However they need to do a better job at Taftaan and close that border right now. We will be at full capacity in days if this keeps up. Treat everyone coming for Iran or anywhere outside as if they have the virus, they most probably do as it stands now.

The thing to look for and which will be worrisome is the local transmission. So far so good, zero deaths so far is also encouraging as that can also shed light on the extent of the spread.

 

[leg-side-flick]

From IRAN.

And source link for what??

Virus is spreading in Pakistan now at alarming rate.

If you have visitors only from Iran then it's slightly better as you can control it, the way South Korea did even after it got out of control

However if these jokers have been allowed to roam around, then God forbid.... I hope and pray that it's not the case, and all these Iran visitors have been isolated before they mixed up with others

I just don't trust the health care in South asia, people will die by hundreds and it's frankly just a lottery on who dies and who survives

 

[leg-side-flick]

Just saw a tweet about this by ANI and i’m seeing a lot of Indians celebrate. Why?
Don’t these bhakts know that there are over a hundred cases in India?

People are inherently stupid and laugh at their enemies problems

I saw on Twitter some pak origin people making fun of India's ~ 100 cases yesterday

On topic, this can become 1000 / 5000 very very quickly for both countries...

I wish I could bash China right now for giving world this gift

 

[Syed1]

Got to commend Sindh government for the way they handled it the people coming from Taftaan border were directly taken to quarantine apartment block in Sukkur where they are kept while testing is going on. Of the 291 who came 119 are affected, since they went from quarantine to quarantine their chances of infecting others is minimal (fingers crossed)


Now as per CM Sindh press conference another batch of about 700 pilgrims is returning from Iran tomorrow who will be housed in the same apartment block in Sukkur that has capacity for 2000 people and its entry exit is guarded by Rangers.

Off these 700 I'm fairly certain 400-500 will be effected. Expect numbers to jump in coming days. However, these are low risk cases that went from quarantine to quarantine. The real risky ones are those that are being found in Karachi.

 

[Ronaldo7]

People are inherently stupid and laugh at their enemies problems

I saw on Twitter some pak origin people making fun of India's ~ 100 cases yesterday

On topic, this can become 1000 / 5000 very very quickly for both countries...

I wish I could bash China right now for giving world this gift

No because that would be “racist”

 

[leg-side-flick]

The real risky ones are those that are being found in Karachi.

That's the key, if you can control that, you have got a huge start....

The local transmission, as and when it starts, really scares me as South Asia is very densely populated and it can spread like wildfire

 

[Sirris]

They should not just test those on the Iran border but also track down those who slipped in mid February and are now roaming freely around the country

 

[leg-side-flick]

No because that would be “racist”

Kya racist yaar, imagine how people would have reacted if India or Pak or some other " Not so important " Country would have done it

 

[Sirris]

If you have visitors only from Iran then it's slightly better as you can control it, the way South Korea did even after it got out of control

However if these jokers have been allowed to roam around, then God forbid.... I hope and pray that it's not the case, and all these Iran visitors have been isolated before they mixed up with others

I just don't trust the health care in South asia, people will die by hundreds and it's frankly just a lottery on who dies and who survives

Overseas Pakistani from UK, North America and Europe should be properly managed to. They should cancel all international flights for 14 days anyway. Until they get the situation under control.

 

[last_knight]

Is it ethically acceptable if they stop testing Iran visitors and manage them as Covid-19 +, because probability of + test is 60-70% in this group.

Can utilise these testing kits for non-quarantine suspected cases.

Is it ethical ?

 

[cricketjoshila]

Countries like India Pakistan need to shut down now. They are still in stage 2. Shut it down to prevent stage 3.

 

[jusarrived]

Just saw a tweet about this by ANI and i’m seeing a lot of Indians celebrate. Why?
Don’t these bhakts know that there are over a hundred cases in India?

I saw a tweet from a Pakistani with huge followers saying India’s are being punished by Allah cos of Kashmir which got thousands of likes , I bet mostly from Pakistan’s ? I guess some people see what they want to see

 

[globalcitizen]

Just saw a tweet about this by ANI and i’m seeing a lot of Indians celebrate. Why?
Don’t these bhakts know that there are over a hundred cases in India?

Every nation has its set of imbeciles but remember majority will show solidarity towards others. This situation worries everyone and i suggest you to stop seeking articles and comments that are inflammatory to you unless you deliberately go looking for them.
It’s up to you whether you are part of that rare species of imbeciles or not!

 

[jusarrived]

Countries like India Pakistan need to shut down now. They are still in stage 2. Shut it down to prevent stage 3.

I sent a mail to my company HR head 10 days back , it took a few days to convince everyone but we decided mandatory work from home for all last Monday itself . I just don’t get why some of them waited for govt to send out orders , but good finally most things are shutdown this week onwards .

 

[Syed1]

(Mods he is CM Punjab media spokesperson please allow unverified tweet )

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#57003; ANOTHER FAKE NEWS &#55357;&#57003;<br><br>Punjab traced all the Zaireen who came directly to Punjab and screened 3,964+, their families and close contacts <br><br>830 are in DG Khan Quarantine (tests started today) and 1200 are coming to Bahawalpur Quarantine where all will be tested. <a href="https://t.co/krBStSZBfd">pic.twitter.com/krBStSZBfd</a></p>— Azhar (@MashwaniAzhar) <a href="https://twitter.com/MashwaniAzhar/status/1239613949689069568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">President Dr. Arif Alvi's <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArifAlvi</a> special message on how to combat the Coronavirus.<br><br>Please participate using the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iFightCorona?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iFightCorona</a> and share your video on what measures you have taken to fight against this virus. <a href="https://t.co/lqeS4rLGGD">pic.twitter.com/lqeS4rLGGD</a></p>— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresOfPakistan/status/1239219996338860033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[The Viper]

Pakistan's spike in coronavirus cases raises quarantine concerns

Spoiler

Islamabad, Pakistan - Pakistan has recorded its biggest single-day spike in coronavirus infections, taking the tally to 184, amid reports of ineffective quarantine procedures as 134 of those are reported to be among those who had been held at a quarantine camp at the country's Taftan border crossing with Iran.

No deaths due to the coronavirus have been recorded, according to government data.

"[The spike in cases] was mainly because of the people who came from Taftan. They had been quarantined there, and then we moved them to our own facility where we tested them," said Meeran Yousuf, spokesperson for Sindh province’s health minister.

People currently in the Taftan camp told Al Jazeera they were not being adequately screened for coronavirus or treated for existing conditions. They also complained of squalid living conditions at the facility, which is housing hundreds of people.

Under current procedures, those released from the camp are being held for a further 14 days in their home provinces in separate quarantine facilities, where they will be tested if they display symptoms of the virus, Yousuf told Al Jazeera.

A provincial government spokesperson in Balochistan, where Taftan is, denied the claims that conditions were inadequate at the camp, and said staff were constantly monitoring those in quarantine for symptoms.

"The World Health Organization protocol calls for a 14-day mandatory quarantine," said Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani. "People can still develop symptoms after 14 days, or even 28 days. It differs from case to case."

'Five people to a tent'
"We are sleeping in tents, with up to five people to a tent because there is a shortage of space here," said Amir Ali, 26, a travel agent who was brought to Taftan camp on March 3.

"There are not enough bathrooms or enough water. The system for screening is not as they claim. They are not giving us all these medicines."

Ali shared videos from the camp that showed rows of tents, basic bathroom facilities and some people forced to sleep in close quarters on the floor of the town's main government building.

The videos also show rubbish littering the ground between the tents.

Since last month, more than 4,600 people have been held at the quarantine camp, Shahwani said. Of those, 1,822 had been released to their home districts on Friday, while several hundred remain at the camp, government data shows.

Ali said medical services were inadequate at the camp.

"They used the thermometer on us the first day [of arrival from Iran]. Since then, they have not checked us at all," he said.

"There is no one available here to provide treatment if people have symptoms or any other illnesses."

Others at the quarantine camp echoed Ali's concerns.

"The conditions here are so filthy that if a person spends a few days here, even if they are healthy, they will get the corona [virus]," said Fatima Bibi, in a video recording shared with Al Jazeera.

"We are requesting the government to please take us away from this place as quickly as possible."

Bibi said the toilets were not properly maintained, and they smelled "so bad you feel like vomiting".

Others lamented the lack of medical facilities at the camp.

"There are no doctors here," said Khanum Jan, who had been in the camp for nine days. "There are no beds or blankets."

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahwani said the government was doing the best it could with limited resources.

"It's a desert area. It's far away," he said. "We are doing our level best."

On Monday, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting of the country's national coordination committee on COVID-19. No major announcements were made following the meeting.

Last week, after a high-level national security committee meeting, Pakistan's government announced the closure of all educational institutions across the country until April 3, the closure of all border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan and a ban on all public gatherings of any kind.

Since February, Pakistan has screened more than 975,634 people at points of entry, according to government data.

The country's National Institute of Health says its current risk assessment of the impact of the disease is "moderate".

Ali said he feared cases could rise, as those released from the quarantine camp "are not being screened".

"The increase in cases that is happening, this is only happening because of their incompetence," he alleged.

"When there were thousands of people here [in Taftan last week], people were sleeping within four inches of each other."

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020...ises-quarantine-concerns-200316090946936.html

 

[Syed1]

Situation in Punjab directly from Punjab health minister

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Only one case of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirusinpakistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirusinpakistan</a> is confirmed in Punjab so far.<br><br>112 suspects with symptoms have been tested out of which 84 were negative & results awaited for rest.<br><br>6200 Zaireen from Iran screened <br>830 quarantined in DG Khan 1200 arriving to be quarantined in Bhawalpur <a href="https://t.co/LJ4bKORT4i">pic.twitter.com/LJ4bKORT4i</a></p>— Dr. Yasmin Rashid (@Dr_YasminRashid) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_YasminRashid/status/1239582101462269961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



Situation in KPK directly from KPK health minister

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusUpdates?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusUpdates</a><br>Just received news that 15 of 19 individuals received in KP from Taftan have tested positive for Corona Virus. These are the first positive cases in KP. <br>They are being well looked after in quarantine in an isolated facility in DI Khan. More details soon.</p>— Taimur Khan Jhagra (@Jhagra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jhagra/status/1239537478845042694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lots of fake news going around.

 

[Hermoine Green]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not only we are doing in Taftan...But Rideeq, Quetta, rest districts and now this new facility on Pak Afghan border with Army/FC.<br><br>I invite all CMs, federal authorities and electronic media to come Quetta, see Taftan, jivani, turbat and chaman border with me.. <a href="https://t.co/w3g5qYX08f">pic.twitter.com/w3g5qYX08f</a></p>— Jam Kamal Khan (@jam_kamal) <a href="https://twitter.com/jam_kamal/status/1239603844830683137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">People think its easy to eastablish things from scratch...putting some kharpahees in a already build up buidling of labor is much easy then putting 3000 tents, with portable 100 washroons, remote testing,medical facilty, 12 ambulances and security... and thst too in baren areas. <a href="https://t.co/GRbiJVq9Cy">pic.twitter.com/GRbiJVq9Cy</a></p>— Jam Kamal Khan (@jam_kamal) <a href="https://twitter.com/jam_kamal/status/1239602211946205190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[The Viper]

Sindh government has completed its mass isolation centre in Sukkur, The centre, set up in 1,024 apartments, is capable of accommodating 2,048 people. Each apartment has two rooms.

 

[MRSN]

Situation in Punjab directly from Punjab health minister

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Only one case of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirusinpakistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirusinpakistan</a> is confirmed in Punjab so far.<br><br>112 suspects with symptoms have been tested out of which 84 were negative & results awaited for rest.<br><br>6200 Zaireen from Iran screened <br>830 quarantined in DG Khan 1200 arriving to be quarantined in Bhawalpur <a href="https://t.co/LJ4bKORT4i">pic.twitter.com/LJ4bKORT4i</a></p>— Dr. Yasmin Rashid (@Dr_YasminRashid) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_YasminRashid/status/1239582101462269961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



Situation in KPK directly from KPK health minister

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusUpdates?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusUpdates</a><br>Just received news that 15 of 19 individuals received in KP from Taftan have tested positive for Corona Virus. These are the first positive cases in KP. <br>They are being well looked after in quarantine in an isolated facility in DI Khan. More details soon.</p>— Taimur Khan Jhagra (@Jhagra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jhagra/status/1239537478845042694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lots of fake news going around.

the testing done by Punjab authorities is itself a joke. Yesterday saw a video of four people (two Chinese and two Pakistanis) crying to be tested outside pims who were denied entry because they didn't have a recent travel history when they were having all the symptoms of corona virus.

 

[Syed1]

the testing done by Punjab authorities is itself a joke. Yesterday saw a video of four people (two Chinese and two Pakistanis) crying to be tested outside pims who were denied entry because they didn't have a recent travel history when they were having all the symptoms of corona virus.

Post the video first

 

[MRSN]

Post the video first

https://twitter.com/mona_qau/status/1239212663076524034?s=19

 

[Syed1]

https://twitter.com/mona_qau/status/1239212663076524034?s=19

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">سادہ سی بات ہے جو آپ نے خود فرما دی کہ یہ سنٹر ایسے لوگوں کے لئیے بنا ہے جنہوں نے بیرون ملک سفر کیا ہے۔ اس سٹیج پر تمام تر ایسے لوگ کو کرونا تشخیص ہوا ہے جنہوں نے بیرون ملک سفر کیا ہے اس لئیے زیادہ توجہ ان پر ہے۔ <a href="https://t.co/bMQBFK31QO">https://t.co/bMQBFK31QO</a></p>— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SHABAZGIL/status/1239283115778080770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MRSN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">سادہ سی بات ہے جو آپ نے خود فرما دی کہ یہ سنٹر ایسے لوگوں کے لئیے بنا ہے جنہوں نے بیرون ملک سفر کیا ہے۔ اس سٹیج پر تمام تر ایسے لوگ کو کرونا تشخیص ہوا ہے جنہوں نے بیرون ملک سفر کیا ہے اس لئیے زیادہ توجہ ان پر ہے۔ <a href="https://t.co/bMQBFK31QO">https://t.co/bMQBFK31QO</a></p>— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SHABAZGIL/status/1239283115778080770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

if you watch the video you can clearly see two Chinese struggling behind, who is to say they can't have it? You don't have to have 14 days recent travel history as the virus can stay in the system for long time.

There is hardly anyone being tested inside so you can't give any excuse like that. The truth is the doctors aren't trained and don't have any facilities and they are scared so they are finding any excuse to keep distance with affected people.

 

[sweep_shot]

131 cases in Pakistan today.

184 cases overall in Pakistan.

Source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/.

 

[Sirris]

I saw a Pakistani program where the person mentioned the importance of "social distancing" . Unfortunately his explanation was a bit lacking he said don't shake hand and hug each other. That's a good start but social distancing means keeping at least a distance of 2 meters from other people especially if you are talking to them.

Washing hands is never a bad idea but remember social distancing is the most important criteria since it is established that the virus is transmitted from small droplet of an infected person we breath in. While with regards to washing hands it is for now an assumption that virus could be transmitted by touching a virus infected surface and then your hands touching your mouth/nose/eyes.

 

[MenInG]

Panic buying hits select commodities in Karachi

anic buying in some markets has created shortage of key commodities like branded flour bags besides pushing up demand for items including pulses, ghee/cooking oil, sugar and rice by 20-30 per cent.

Former Vice Chairman PVMA and President Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Sheikh Umer Rehan said only 1pc of highly panicked elite class thronged super stores and markets in Karachi to lift bulk quantities of ghee and cooking oil while cash hit buyers are just watching the situation. He claimed that buyers in Punjab had still not resorted to panic buying.

 

[treker747]

How does Punjab has only 2 cases while Islamabad has over 94 cases already? They seem to be hiding the actual results until PSL ends then you will see a magical 'spike'.

 

[aukhan]

PPP has shown more sincerity in dealing with this pandemic than PTI. I wonder what is the situation in Pubjab? Its pretty clear to me that incompetent Imran and his cronies are hiding the real data.

 

[Hermoine Green]

Reported by GEO That a patient died in Meo Hospital Lahore.

 

[Hermoine Green]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> expresses his concern over poverty and hunger as a consequence of the Corona Pandemic. Moreover, he urges the world community to think of some sort of debt-off for vulnerable countries.<a href="https://t.co/FG6ZDT5h99">pic.twitter.com/FG6ZDT5h99</a></p>— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakPMO/status/1239822476730908675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[shah_1]

Why hasn't the goverment instate an internaional flight ban till now?

These screen test aren't good enough as we know the nature of the COVID19

 

[Hermoine Green]

Why hasn't the goverment instate an internaional flight ban till now?

These screen test aren't good enough as we know the nature of the COVID19

Because then people like us will cry on media and social media that Gov is so cruel that they have blocked the country for their own people. We saw what happened when we blocked our borders with china. We saw media and people reaction at that time.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Because then people like us will cry on media and social media that Gov is so cruel that they have blocked the country for their own people. We saw what happened when we blocked our borders with china. We saw media and people reaction at that time.

Poor by pti.

 

[Abdullah719]

Suspected coronavirus patient dies in Lahore

A suspected coronavirus patient in Lahore has passed away, Punjab Health Department Secretary Kaiser Sharif said.

According to Sharif, the patient was admitted in the isolation ward of Mayo Hospital Lahore on Monday night. He had been tested for coronavirus and his results were expected to be received today afternoon.

Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmeen Rashid, while confirming the man's death, said that his test results are awaited. She said that this information will be given to the media when it arrives.

https://www.dawn.com/live-blog/

 

[shah_1]

Because then people like us will cry on media and social media that Gov is so cruel that they have blocked the country for their own people. We saw what happened when we blocked our borders with china. We saw media and people reaction at that time.

Goverment is in no position to take populist decisions. This is a matter of life and death

 

[Sirris]

Why hasn't the goverment instate an internaional flight ban till now?

These screen test aren't good enough as we know the nature of the COVID19

This needs to happen right now! ASAP

There are potentially 100 of virus carries coming in the country everyday. Checking for fever is an unnecessary waste of resources when you could just stop them from arriving and especially since potentially infected might not show symptoms yet.

Weren't all flights grounded last Feb when pak India tension was high?

 

[last_knight]

Because then people like us will cry on media and social media that Gov is so cruel that they have blocked the country for their own people. We saw what happened when we blocked our borders with china. We saw media and people reaction at that time.

20 Days Quarantine NOW is better than all other measures now or in near future.

Let me explain in terms of clinical resesrch :

Covid-19 + person can continue to infect others for 15 days. In some case up to 20 days.

Degree of Spread : One infected person will effect how many more persons ?
For Covid-19 , it is 2-3. Most studies say it's more than 2 and less than 3. Let's assume it's 03 in worst case scenario. So on average, one infected person, in 15 days, will effect 3 more, taking total count to 04. In next series, these 03 will infect 9 who in turn will infect further 27 and so on.

Series Interval : time interval between start of symptoms & +ve test (and ability of transmission) in one series patients and start of symptoms & +ve test (and ability of transmission) in next series patients.

For Covid-19 , it is 5 to 7.5 days. It means next series will start at least 05 days later.

If we consider these 200 patients as "Series-Zero" and yesterday as Day-Zero , they will effect 600 more in next 15 days.That will be our "Series-1" who will start showing symptoms & +ve tests ( and ability of transmission) from Day-05 and extending up to Day-20.

In comparison, influenza has 1.3 degree of Spread and 2.5 days series interval.
Larger series interval of Covid-19 is a window of opportunity in this Pandemic.

There is no other solution to it other than 20 Days Quarantine.

Like most govts in world and state heads, IK and PTI have been found wanting. Should show some brave heart spirit and implement strict measures.

With 200 confirm +, and 600 of next series somewhere in country we now have 800 patients. It is still not unmanageable. It needs political will power.

If someone ridicules the idea of Nation Wide Quarantine, he should realise that Postponing PSL was not an option 1 week ago.

 

[shah_1]

This needs to happen right now! ASAP

There are potentially 100 of virus carries coming in the country everyday. Checking for fever is an unnecessary waste of resources when you could just stop them from arriving and especially since potentially infected might not show symptoms yet.

Weren't all flights grounded last Feb when pak India tension was high?

It is senseless from the goverment considering we have a Z grade healthcare system They are waiting for a disaster.

 

[BreadPakoda]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> expresses his concern over poverty and hunger as a consequence of the Corona Pandemic. Moreover, he urges the world community to think of some sort of debt-off for vulnerable countries.<a href="https://t.co/FG6ZDT5h99">pic.twitter.com/FG6ZDT5h99</a></p>— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakPMO/status/1239822476730908675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Is he indicating towards China to waive off part of the debt?

 

[globalcitizen]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> expresses his concern over poverty and hunger as a consequence of the Corona Pandemic. Moreover, he urges the world community to think of some sort of debt-off for vulnerable countries.<a href="https://t.co/FG6ZDT5h99">pic.twitter.com/FG6ZDT5h99</a></p>— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakPMO/status/1239822476730908675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I am afraid how can citizens of Pakistan be confident if your premier puts up such a sorry face.

this is exactly the reason why south Asian countries should support each other and stick together in this epidemic until it passes!

 

[BreadPakoda]

I am afraid how can citizens of Pakistan be confident if your premier puts up such a sorry face.

this is exactly the reason why south Asian countries should support each other and stick together in this epidemic until it passes!

Agree. Cutting a sorry figure. He's given up on the healthcare facilities and Pakistan's ability to save its people.

More concerned about getting a debt write-off.

 

[Sirris]

It is senseless from the goverment considering we have a Z grade healthcare system They are waiting for a disaster.

I'm shocked by this. No amount of hand washing is going to help stop the disease from spreading if airports remain open.

Forget iran! The situation has escalated within a week. Trudeau's wife went to UK for a meeting and came back with the virus. This is how badly infested UK is. Now UK, Canada, Europe all are to be treated as Iran.

Is there a social media campaign going to get the message across to the authorities. I am afraid airports are going to be the hotspot within Pakistan from where the virus will really take off. With Iranian pilgrims you could at least tell where their population is concentrated in Pakistan.

 

[Abdullah719]

Testing labs established at major military hospitals across Pakistan: ISPR

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, as part of the national effort and in line with the decisions of the National Security Committee meeting on March 13, all medical facilities of the armed forces are "operationalised and geared up to meet any eventuality to deal with [the] pandemic".

COVID-19 testing labs have been established at major military hospitals across the country and a central testing lab has been established at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi.

Additionally, ISPR said that a COVID-19 help desk has been established at each military hospital for fast track handling.

"Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully involved in assisting the government and provincial administrations to tackle the situation since the outbreak and duly vigilant of the developing situation post COVID-19.

"COAS has directed all commanders to take maximum necessary measures to assist civil administration for safety and well being of the people of Pakistan," the statement concluded.

https://www.dawn.com/live-blog/

 

[the Great Khan]

20 Days Quarantine NOW is better than all other measures now or in near future.

Let me explain in terms of clinical resesrch :

Covid-19 + person can continue to infect others for 15 days. In some case up to 20 days.

Degree of Spread : One infected person will effect how many more persons ?
For Covid-19 , it is 2-3. Most studies say it's more than 2 and less than 3. Let's assume it's 03 in worst case scenario. So on average, one infected person, in 15 days, will effect 3 more, taking total count to 04. In next series, these 03 will infect 9 who in turn will infect further 27 and so on.

Series Interval : time interval between start of symptoms & +ve test (and ability of transmission) in one series patients and start of symptoms & +ve test (and ability of transmission) in next series patients.

For Covid-19 , it is 5 to 7.5 days. It means next series will start at least 05 days later.

If we consider these 200 patients as "Series-Zero" and yesterday as Day-Zero , they will effect 600 more in next 15 days.That will be our "Series-1" who will start showing symptoms & +ve tests ( and ability of transmission) from Day-05 and extending up to Day-20.

In comparison, influenza has 1.3 degree of Spread and 2.5 days series interval.
Larger series interval of Covid-19 is a window of opportunity in this Pandemic.

There is no other solution to it other than 20 Days Quarantine.

Like most govts in world and state heads, IK and PTI have been found wanting. Should show some brave heart spirit and implement strict measures.

With 200 confirm +, and 600 of next series somewhere in country we now have 800 patients. It is still not unmanageable. It needs political will power.

If someone ridicules the idea of Nation Wide Quarantine, he should realise that Postponing PSL was not an option 1 week ago.

Problem is Pakistan has no money. So if you quarantine everybody how are those people going toe at and survive? the choice Pakistan has is simple now. Die of Covid or die of starvation.

People on this forum need to accept reality. The reality that hundreds are going to be infected and many more will die. Poor countries will not be able to cope and will have to save who they can while burying the rest. You will not be able to save everybody.

INMHO they should move to a war footing and it looks like they will be within a week as they are slightly behind Italy at the moment. I expect curfews and rationing and then prayers.

My mother is currently in Islamabad and we are worried..

those countries with better healthcare will see less casualties those with poor healthcare will see more. Until a vaccine becomes available.

However if a large part of the pakistani population survives the virus they should develop immunity to at least a strain of it. However we cant even eradicate polio so I expect corona will stay with Pakistan for a while.

 

[shah_1]

Only vaccine is the solution but that is a long wait. People need to be ready for a lot of deaths.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Only vaccine is the solution but that is a long wait. People need to be ready for a lot of deaths.

A treatment is more likely.

 

[kaayal]

Agree. Cutting a sorry figure. He's given up on the healthcare facilities and Pakistan's ability to save its people.

More concerned about getting a debt write-off.

Not everyone are concerned about the people tbh. Most of the world leaders are concerned about saving their economy rather than improving the testing facilities. That’s how the world works. And that’s the very reason UK is going with their “Herd immunity theory”.