Given the sharp rise in coronavirus positive cases in Pakistan in the last two days and an exponential rise in most parts of the world, Senate Chairperson Sadiq Sanjrani on Monday appealed to the nation to say a collective prayer on Tuesday (today).
"In the context of the ongoing turn of events involving the coronavirus outbreak, I deem it appropriate to take this opportunity and make a humble appeal to my fellow countrymen-and urge them to exercise utmost caution by taking preventive measures against coronavirus," the chairman Senate said in a video message.
"As this virus is spreading globally and in Pakistan with each passing day, a little bit of caution can help us stay safe from this pandemic. Avoid handshake, avoid hug, avoid crowd and public gatherings, and meet as few people as possible. These measures are necessary for our safety," Sanjrani said.
He then appealed to the nation to collectively pray today at 10:30 am "seeking mercy of Almighty Allah" against coronavirus. In Pakistan, the coronavirus cases tally surpassed 126 by Monday evening.
The first coronavirus case was reported in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019.
On March 11, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus a pandemic.
So far, up to 150 countries of the world have been affected by this deadly virus. According to reports, more than 162,000 people infected worldwide by coronavirus with over 6,000 dead, and over 77,000 recovered (by Monday evening).
The virus originated in China but, lately, the focus of this virus' devastating impact has shifted from China to Europe and the WHO has named Europe as the new epicentre of coronavirus.
Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan proposed to establish a Working Group of respective national authorities for information and data exchange as well as coordination for responses in real-time between the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries and to "learn from and disseminate the experience of SAARC Observer States, particularly China that is effectively addressing the challenge and can share valuable insights."
These proposals were floated by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza at the SAARC member states' Video Conference on COVID-19. On Friday, the federal government decided to shut its western borders with Iran and Afghanistan for two weeks, limit international operations only to three major airports, shut educational institutes for three weeks and ban public gatherings.
These decisions were taken in the National Security Council (NSC) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, and attended by military leadership, all provincial chief ministers and relevant authorities.
The NSC also decided to set up the National Coordination Committee on Coronavirus under the chairmanship of special assistant to the PM on health as its convener. On Saturday, the National Coordination Committee on Coronavirus held its first meeting and reviewed the measures to ensure implementation on the National Action Plan (NAP) to prevent spread of COVID-19.
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