Special Assistant to the PM on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza on Wednesday disclosed that as many as 200 persons across Pakistan are being tested for the suspicion of the novel coronavirus.

Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, Dr Zafar Mirza said that unlike other countries the novel coronavirus did not spread as rapidly in Pakistan thanks to timely measures of the government. He said that as many as 200 persons across Pakistan are being tested for the suspicion of this virus. “However, there are only five confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the country.”

“But the good news is that all five of the infected people are recovering,” Zafar Mirza said.

“We appeal to the people that do not go for masks without urgent reasons and to wash hands frequently. Every flu case is not a coronavirus case.”

“If someone is having a fever he better avoid going into the public, and the people coming from China and Iran must observe self-isolation.” He said the only thing required at the moment is that people observe basic health precautions.

Zafar Mirza said that the government is continuously working for the betterment in the health sector, adding that all the sectors are working jointly, and “We hope we’ll control the situation.” He said that we need to devise better policies in order to produce the best doctors in future.

“The government is determined to ensure the universal health coverage,” said Mirza, adding that as many as 7.5 million people in Pakistan are using health cards for their treatment.

“In addition, 70% of the health-related issues could be resolved on the primary health level.”