The Sindh government has shut down schools for two days throughout the province following confirmation of a coronavirus case at a Karachi hospital.
Addressing a news conference in Karachi on Thursday, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the virus was detected in a patient who along with family returned from Iran on February 20. “All the family members will be observed for next 15 days,” he added.
The chief minister further said that the government had obtained all the data about the people who came from Iran this month. “About 1,500 people came from Iran this month. We are checking them. We are also checking the schools where their children study,” he added.
Giving more details about the coronavirus case, Murad said a patient was brought to Aga Khan Hospital on Wednesday and he was shifted to an isolation facility at 4am Thursday morning after confirmation of the virus.
Responding to a question, the chief minister said the government will arrange for hand wash liquid at all the offices. About protective masks being sold at exorbitant prices, he said “We will see into it. We will purchase the masks in bulk from the industry and will not let it be sold in black.”
He warned of action if anyone tried to cash in on the situation. “Action will be taken if anyone charges extra for masks or any other medical equipment as far as this virus is concerned,” he added.
To another query, the chief minister said the Sindh government will request the Centre to ban all flights coming from Iran.
Murad said a control room had been set up at the office of Commissioner Karachi and a core group has also been set up which will report to him every day. “I will take daily briefing in the evening as the situation is very serious,” he added.
It may be mentioned here that SAPM on Health Dr Zafar Mirza had confirmed two coronavirus cases in Balochistan during a visit to Quetta on Wednesday.