Coronavirus fears: Balochistan govt asks help from federal, int’l institutions

QUETTA (92 News) – Balochistan government on Tuesday sought help from the federal government and international institutions as fears across the region continued to grow over a jump in new coronavirus infections. According to the details garnered, the provincial government asked the federal government to send medical experts staff and equipment. They said that thermal guns, masks and gloves should be provided. On the other hand, Pakistan’s border with Iran has been sealed for third day after coronavirus outbreak in the country, which claimed 12 lives till. The movement has been suspended at border areas of Taftan and Mashkel in Balochistan. The health officials screening pilgrims returning from Iran at an emergency centre set up at Taftan border crossing. Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has made temporary arrangements for stay of the pilgrims stranded at the border. The PDMA has arranged beds, blankets, masks and food for the people stranded at the border, the authority said in a statement. Earlier on Sunday, Pakistani authorities closed Pak-Iran border at Taftan town in Chagai district, to avoid spread of coronavirus reportedly found in Iran. The transit gate and joint markets at the border have been closed, while trade and traveling activities suspended. Authorities said precautionary and protective measures are being taken in Taftan where 100-bed tent hospital is being established to combat emergency situation at Pak-Iran border. Earlier, Pakistan has declared emergency in the Balcohsitan’s areas bordering Iran over fears of transfer of coronavirus into the country. According to the details garnered, declaring an emergency in the border districts due to the fear of cronavirus transferring to the country, the Balochistan government has banned movement of Pakistani passengers to Iran in a wake of coronavirus threat. The passengers have been called back to Quetta from Taftan while the local government has also directed to establish special check posts to stop people from traveling to Iran. According to the provincial health department, staff and medical equipment have also been sent to the border town of Taftan, through which hundreds of people cross into the city daily. A team has also been sent from Quetta to the city to train local officials. A camp has also been set up. Earlier, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal had telephoned PM Imran Khan after Iran reported deaths from coronavirus. He informed the premier that he is personally overseeing all the measures to prevent spread of coronavirus in the province and special teams have been formed to prevent the outbreak.

Had communication with PM and Federal health minister on Coronovirus… from first day all precautionary steps being taken

Dedicated cell/teams are vigilance, precautions taken, things for emergency and rest been told People are req to keep track and see if any swine flu signs — Jam Kamal Khan (@jam_kamal) February 22, 2020

Jam Kamal further said that District Health Officers were directed to take all precautions and special medical teams were also deployed in Taftan and other sensitive areas. It is pertinent t to mention here that Iran ordered the closure of schools, universities and cultural centres after the number of people infected with the deadly virus rose to 28 with five fatal cases.