Islamabad: Health experts in Pakistan have advised citizens to take simple precautionary measures for prevention against coronavirus.
They said there is absolutely no need of creating any panic and people just require taking simple preventive steps which they normally take against common flu like covering the nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing.
Medical expert at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Dr Waseem Khawja advised people to frequently wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap, avoid close contact with sick people, animals. They should avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. He said those who have or a person near them have travelled to or from China, within the last 14 days and developed suggestive symptoms including unexplained fever, cough or breathing difficulty, should seek medical attention.
He said PIMS has taken necessary measures for optimal level of preparedness and mitigation in case of any suspected case of novel coronavirus. He said separate ward has been allocated and trained staff have been deployed at the hospital in case of report of any suspected case.
Dr Sharif Astori from Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC) said the hospital is following the daily instructions of the health ministry to alert and sensitize the health staff. He added hospitals staff will remain vigilant about any suspected case of novel coronavirus infection for early detection. He said the government has issued instructions to all major hospitals including Polyclinic to make arrangements to receive possible cases and provide them necessary care.
