“The Sindh government took measures as soon as there was news of an outbreak in China,” mentioned Bilawal, as he addressed a press convention on the Sindh Meeting in Karachi.
He mentioned that the outbreak of the virus is a severe scenario and should be taken severely by each citizen of Pakistan.
“I would like to emphasise that coronavirus is an extremely serious and life-threatening issue […] It is ten times worse than the flu,” mentioned Bilawal, stressing that the mortality price, whereas nonetheless not identified definitively, is far larger than the flu.
The PPP chairman mentioned it was necessary to do not forget that the illness doesn’t solely have an effect on the aged and people with underlying situations however can have an effect on anybody.
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“Of the two people who have died from the disease, one was 36 years old and one was 50 years of age, which means they were not very advanced in their years.”
“Even then, there is no need to spread panic because we are working day and night with all our hearts so we can ensure the protection of all your lives,” mentioned Bilawal.
‘We’re already too late’
He mentioned that there was a dire have to work in the direction of mitigating the unfold of the contagion. “We are already too late. The statistics we have of other countries […] show us that there has been mitigation and a flattening of the curve (where strict quarantine measures were taken immediately).”
The PPP chairman mentioned these nations recognized and contained those that had the illness or had been suspected to have it. The opposite measure taken by them was that of mass testing.
He mentioned that the Sindh authorities had recognized 34 suspected sufferers early on — when there was information of the outbreak in Wuhan — and had examined them. All assessments had turned up unfavorable.
He mentioned that when the virus unfold to Iran, the Sindh authorities obtained an inventory from the Federal Investigation Company (FIA) of residents who had come from Iran. “We identified them and had them self-quarantine at home for those who did not show symptoms and for those who did, we had them tested.”
Bilawal mentioned we’ve got reached a stage the place there’ll now be “community spread. “The circumstances don’t solely level in the direction of those that returned from overseas travels but additionally those that interacted with them.”
Moreover, the current spike could be attributed to those that had been underneath quarantine in Balochistan — after having are available in from Iran. “When they came towards Sindh we kept them in isolation.”
“Unfortunately they were not tested and many were not identified (to have the disease). We have done that now which is why you are witnessing a surge in cases.”
‘Two-pronged method’
He mentioned that the federal authorities now must concentrate on mitigating the unfold of COVID-19 by specializing in social distancing and isolation, and to maximise testing capabilities — a “two-pronged approach”.
“Sindh government on its own has arranged 10,000 testing kits,” he mentioned.
Bilawal mentioned unity is the necessity of the hour and a joint technique to fight the virus must be developed for our efforts to be efficient.
“We must not have our energies and focus geared towards criticism, blame and political scoring,” he urged, whereas additionally stressing that the federal authorities must deliver “some changes” in its motion plan.
‘Sindh govt will handle you’
The PPP chairman mentioned that the Sindh authorities will take up the duty of offering meals provides to the poor as they self isolate at house. “I assure you the Sindh government will take care of you,” he mentioned.
“We call upon those of you who can help the Sindh government, to please extend a helping hand,” mentioned Bilawal.
He directed the Sindh authorities officers to “ensure that no daily wage worker is laid off”. “You must make it incumbent upon private organisations as well to ensure that their employees’ salaries are timely disbursed.”
Bilawal mentioned that the Sindh authorities is conscious of the financial impression of the outbreak and can take “concrete measures to tackle it”.
“We will need to take some serious steps to keep the economy afloat,” he mentioned.
We’re heading in the direction of a lockdown: Bilawal Bhutto
