The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) stressing the need for fool proof and stringent safety measures to contain the further spread of coronavirus has urged the government to immediately compile the data of travelers to Pakistan and ensure their complete screening to identify the carrier of the virus.

LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh on Friday said that coronavirus has become an international disease and not only eating up human lives but is also affecting global economy. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus a global pandemic. The deaths around the globe because of coronavirus have surpassed 4,600, with over 124,500 confirmed cases, he said.

He said that Pakistan continued to receive a new coronavirus case that is a matter of concern as it is an epidemic and can cause irreparable loss to the country.

"It is good to see that the government is already conscious and Prime Minister Imran Khan has called a special meeting of the National Security Council, a body comprising top civil and military leadership, to discuss measures against the coronavirus. The government has also decided to hold the remaining matches of the ongoing Pakistan Super League cricket tournament without spectators", the LCCI chief said.

He said that not only the government but all segments of society would have to play role in this regard as any leniency frailty can be resulted in a huge loss. The necessary safety protocols should also be applied against the China origin new strain of coronavirus which has set off global alarms. He feared that if precautionary measures are not adopted on time, then the spread of the mysterious illness cannot be ruled out.

The LCCI President said that special desks at all airports having well equipped medical teams should be ensured and suspected passengers should be checked thoroughly. There is a need to take special measures like establishing Standard Isolation Units, ample supplies of Personal Protective Equipment and fully equipped Bio-safety level-III laboratories in all provinces of the country.

He said that high level of vigilance should be exercised through trained staff at all levels of air and dry ports and at outpatient departments of all major hospitals.