World Health Organization (WHO) releases an updated report of Covid-19 Pakistan, on March 1st 2020. According to the report National Institute of Health(NIH) of Pakistan tested 156 Samples out of which 152 Negative Results, 4 are positive.
Pakistan Highlights
Pakistan HighlightsOn 29 February, two new cases have been notified. The cases are residents of Karachi and Gilgit Baltistan, with a travel history from Iran.The previous two confirmed cases are still admitted in the hospital and are in stable condition.
More than 200 people with recent travel history to Iran have been traced by District Administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and are being monitored. In Sindh province 1,481 persons travelled to Iran in the last two weeks. Of which481 people have been trace by the Rapid Response Team and are put on home isolation.
There are currently 13 suspected cases in isolation facilities in the provinces of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Punjab. An additional hospital has been added in the list of designated COVID-19hospitals in Sindh.
Pakistan Preparedness and Response
The Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at the National Institute ofHealth (NIH) and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination are on full alert and closely monitoring the situation.
Director General Health Services Punjab has instructed all district health authorities to reinforce screening measures for all passengers from China and Iranas well as employees working at Chinese companies. Direction has also been given instructions to maintain isolation wards at District Headquarter Hospital and Tehsil Headquarter Hospitals.
Provincial health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deployed additional 31health professionals for the reinforcement of screening measures at Bacha Khan Airport, Peshawar
The 2nd Partners’ coordination meeting was organized on 28th February by WHO. Partners are supporting the government in lab strengthening, surveillance,training of staff at Point-of-Entry (PoE’s), procurement and development of a communication plan.
Pakistan has been included in the priority list of the priority countries for support in response to COVID-19.Partners requested WHO to coordinate the COVID-19 response with all partners including the development a mapping template to indicate existing resources and technical capacities for the delivery of an effective response.
Surveillance at Points-of-Entry (PoEs)
- Screening and active case finding is being undertaken at seven airports (Islamabad,Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi) and seaports for incoming travelers.
- Screening on going at the main land crossing entry points from Iran and Afghanistan. A total of 709 travelers entering Pakistan on 29th February 2020 through Taftan border in Balochistan were screened. 510 suspected were quarantined for observation.
- The Fisheries Department, in collaboration with the rapid response team, hasstarted the screening of fishermen and their contacts. A total of 414 people arriving in 24 boats at District Karachi West were screened and declared asymptomatic.