The federal government has banned all types of public gathering across the country for two weeks as a precautionary step against coronavirus.

This was announced by Special Assistant to PM on Health Dr Zafar Mirza while addressing a press conference after the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Friday.

To minimise the people contact, Mirza said, it was decided in the NSC meeting to ban public gathering across the country. Also, the health assistant said, marriage ceremonies in wedding halls were also banned for two weeks. All cinemas and theatres will also remain closed for two weeks, he added.

Dr Mirza confirmed 28 coronavirus patients in Pakistan.

Dr Mirza said the federal government established a high-level National Coordination Committee which comprised concerned federal ministers and other officials. He said he convened the first meeting of the committee tomorrow (Saturday) at 4pm. He said the committee would review the situation and take decisions accordingly.

Mirza said: “Prime Minister Imran Khan has that it is need of the hour to take national level decisions. All provinces and other stakeholders should be on board and implement the decisions immediately to fight coronavirus.”