China: Four Pakistani students in Wuhan confirmed to have coronavirus

Dubai: At least four Pakistani students studying in Wuhan city of China have been confirmed as having the coronavirus, revealed Dr Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant (Health) to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Addressing a hurriedly-called press conference in Pakistan on Wednesday, Dr Mirza said that around 500 Pakistani students are based in Wuhan, the epicentre of the new deadly virus.

He said that the families of the infected students have been assured full support from the government. He said the government would take care of all students and other Pakistani currently in China.

Dr Mirza also reiterated that there is so far no confirmed case of coronavirus in Pakistan. “There is not even one confirmed case of coronavirus inside Pakistan,” he said, reported Dawn news.

He added that there were four individuals suspected of having the virus who were then kept under observation and their samples were collected. Mirza said that their health was improving and per the evidence, they could say with a great degree of certainty that the individuals do not have coronavirus.

Mirza said that the government and himself were in constant contact with the Foreign Office as well as with Pakistan’s ambassador in China as well as the embassy.

According to reports, Coronavirus has so far killed more than 132 people and infected more than 6,000 in mainland China and abroad so far.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Embassy in Beijing has issued an advisory for the Pakistani students studying in China.

Advisory for China: How to protect yourself

Pakistani students and members of community are requested to undertake following precautionary measures advised by National Health Commission of China to reduce the risks associated with the coronavirus infection and to ensure personal health and well-being.

Avoid unnecessary visits to public places including shopping malls, railway stations and hospitals.

In case of common cold or flu, it is advisable to stay at home and use domestic treatment instead of going to hospital.

In case there is doubt of viral infection due to previous contact with confirmed/suspected patient, please subject yourself to 14 days self-quarantine at your place of residence to monitor symptoms of disease.

In case no symptoms appear within the prescribed time, please stay assured about your health and safety.

In case of serious doubts about viral infection, please immediately take medical assistance from nearest medical Centre and also inform Embassy of Pakistan.

The Embassy of Pakistan would continue its outreach with community members and Pakistani students in China. In case of any reports of viral infection in members of Pakistani community/students, it is requested to cooperate with local health authorities and share immediately the complete information with Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing.

The Community members/students are further requested to extend complete cooperation to local authorities, avoid unnecessary social media hype and ignore unconfirmed news.