The number of confirmed cases in Pakistan rose to 878 and total of six coronavirus-related deaths have been reported.
394 cases have been diagnosed in Sindh, 246 in Punjab, 110 in Balochistan, 38 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,72 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 15 in Islamabad; and one in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. On other hand 6 patients have been recovered from coronavirus.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said on Sunday experts are determining the use of chloroquine for treatment of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chloroquine, a drug used against malaria, is available in abundance in the country at present, the SAPM said while speaking at a press conference. He added a ban has been imposed on export of the chloroquine medicine and its raw material.
President and Prime Minister of Pakistan special message on Pakistan Day
The President in his message said nations have to go through difficult times but only with unity they sail through.
The Prime Minister in his message requested people to take precautions without getting panicked, as he is personally monitoring the government’s measures against the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more: Coronavirus Crisis: Lockdown in Sindh comes into effect on Pakistan Day
Drastic measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus in Sindh have now taken effect. As of 12am Monday morning, Pakistan Day, a blanket ban has been placed on "unnecessary movement" throughout the province.
All offices, malls, restaurants, and public spaces have been shut down. Moreover, restaurants have been told to cease all delivery and take-away operations as well.
Balochistan reports first virus death taking toll to 6
Balochistan has reported its first coronavirus death, taking the country's tally to six, according to government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani.
Taking to Twitter, he said that the patient, who was 65 years-old, died at Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital in Quetta.
65 years old Corona patient died at Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital in Quetta.
— Liaquat Shahwani (@LiaquatShahwani) March 22, 2020
So sad to learn about the first death case of a Corona patient in Balochistan.
May rest in peace.
Condolences to the grived family.#CoronavirusOutbreak#CoronaInPakistan #CoronaFreePakistan
In an unfortunate development, a young doctor who was on duty of screening pilgrims arriving from Iran and other pilgrims coming into Gilgit Baltistan (GB) is in critical condition after being infected by the coronavirus.
According to the details, Dr Usama Riaz, who hails from Chilas of Diamer district in GB, was admitted in Gilgit District Headquarter Hospital on Friday night after falling unconscious and is presently fighting for his life on a ventilator.
Coronavirus effect the international celebrities
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will quarantine herself at home after being treated by a doctor who has since tested positive for the novel coronavirus, AFP quoted a government spokesman as saying.
“[Merkel] has decided to quarantine herself immediately at home. She will be tested regularly in the coming days [...] (and) fulfil her official business from home,” Steffen Seibert said in a statement.
It could take some time to determine whether the chancellor is herself infected as “a test would not yet be fully conclusive,” Seibert said.
On other hand, Former movie producer Harvey Weinstein, who is serving a prison sentence for sexual assault and rape, has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the head of the state corrections officers union.
Weinstein, 68, has been placed in isolation at Wende Correctional Facility, said Michael Powers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.
Powers said he learned that the test came back positive on Sunday morning and is concerned about the corrections officers, who he said lack proper protective equipment. Several staff have been quarantined, Powers said.
Read more: Coronavirus: US Vice President Mike Pence's office staffer tests positive
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be in isolation for two weeks after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for coronavirus, and the outbreak prompted the province of Ontario to Reashutter schools to limit the spread.
Showbiz celebrities messages to the fans
Pakistan's leading actress Ayeza Khan has urged her fans to set up a bedtime routine for their children as the kids are vulnerable to catching viruses.
Sharing an adorable photo on her Instagram, actress said, “Your children need atleast 10 to 13 hours of sleep, Set up a bedtime routine no matter they have school in the morning. Because body needs recovery, especially kids, as they are equally as vulnerable to catching viruses as an old person.”
Pakistani singer Ali Zafar has appreciated the decision of Sindh government for a complete lockdown for the next three days amid coronavirus outbreak.
In a series of tweets the singer appreciated the decision of Sindh government and urged the multinational companies to make arrangements to provide food and beverages or cleansing products free of cost for the poor.
SINDH EDUCATION MINISTER SAEED GHANI TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS
Sindh's Minister for Education and Labour Saeed Ghani on Tuesday announced that he has been tested positive for the coronavirus.
Ghani, in a video message on Twitter, shared that he had gotten his test done a day earlier which turned out to be positive.
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar announced lockdown
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar announced a lockdown across the province starting midnight for the next 14 days to control the spread of coronavirus.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, after chairing a high-level meeting to discuss the steps being taken by the provincial government to tackle the pandemic.
CM Punjab said the lockdown will be enforced from tomorrow at 9am till April 6. The pillion ridding in the province will be banned in the province during the lockdown.
He said the shops of daily routine and medical stores will remain open during the lockdown, while markets, shopping malls and public places will remain close during the aforesaid period.
