Outbreak of coronavirus disease: Pakistan embassy in Tehran actively monitoring situation

The embassy of Pakistan in Tehran is actively monitoring the situation in the wake of outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID19) in Iran. The virus which originated in Wuhan, China has reportedly spread in different parts of Iran with its epicenter in the city of Qom. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever and cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, and severe acute respiratory syndrome etc. The government of Pakistan is working in close collaboration with the government of Islamic Republic of Iran to curb the spread of this virus.

While the embassy and its sub-missions in Mashhad and Zahedan would continue its outreach with our community members, Zaireen and the Pakistani students in Iran, all the Pakistani nationals living, travelling and studying in Iran, especially those who are residing in Qom are advised to take utmost precaution and adopt safety measures as prescribed by the World Health Organization and the Iranian authorities to stay safe from the coronavirus disease.

The Iranian authorities have designated hospitals for the treatment of coronavirus disease in every major city. For the convenience of our community members, some of the hospitals are mentioned. In case of any suspicion of contracting the disease or development of any symptoms such as severe cough, sneeze, fever etc, it is advised to visit these hospitals designated for coronavirus disease testing and cooperate with local health authorities and also share the complete information with Pakistan embassy, Tehran.

It is also advised to avoid unnecessary social media hype and ignore unconfirmed news. The embassy urges all Pakistani citizens to stay calm but vigilant while adopting the following preventive measures:

Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;

• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue; it should be immediately followed by disposing-off the tissue and washing hands;

• Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough. In case of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, immediately seek medical care and share previous travel history with the health care provider;

• When moving in public places or transport always wear a mask and gloves. Do not take shoes inside home and keep separate shoes for indoors, if necessary;

• The latest reports suggest that the symptoms of virus may appear from 14-24 days in a person affected by the virus. In case if anyone is tested positive please immediately inform the Embassy at below given hotline numbers;

• Avoid travelling to Qom and areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus disease;

• The consumption of raw or under-cooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices;

• It is advised to use public toilets and WCs with utmost care. Only use the toilets/WCs where water is available and flush system is working in the toilets; For convenience of our compatriots, the Embassy has established the dedicated help lines.-PR