KARACHI: Seven new cases have surfaced in pilgrims who were put in quarantine at Taftan border on returning from Iran, jumping the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 28 in Pakistan, State Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed on Friday.
Addressing a news conference, flanked by PM’s Special Assistant on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan and SAPM on National Security Moeed Yusuf, Dr Mirza said a minor boy and his attendee woman are among those tested positive.
He said that a mobile laboratory has been established at Taftan border to treat any such cases. “All 28 cases are travellers,” the de facto health minister maintained.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already declared the outbreak of COVID-19, a mysterious pneumonia-like disease caused by the coronavirus, a pandemic.
Originated in China late last year, the pandemic has so far claimed 5,118 lives while hitting more than 115 countries around the world.
Out of total 139,356 infected, around 70,729 have so far recovered.
The press conference was organised to brief the media on decision taken by the top civil and military leadership of the country during the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, held in Islamabad earlier today.
Dr Mirza said the civil-military huddle has decided to formulate National Coordination Committee for COVID-19, the first meeting of which will be convened by him on Saturday. The committee will review the overall situation with regards to coronavirus outbreak on a daily basis, he added.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is designated the lead operation agency to contain coronavirus in the country, he said.
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