Islamabad: Pakistan’s government is on high alert amid the coronavirus outbreak in neighbouring China, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said on Saturday.

Addressing a news conference, the Mirza said all ministries and divisions were on board to tackle Coronavirus patients when and where found in the country.

“Kits for diagnosis and treatment of the coronavirus will be received this evening while an effective awareness campaign is also on the cards to sensitise people about the disease,” he added.

The senior official said, so far, no patient coronavirus case had been reported in Pakistan, but around four Pakistanis were diagnosed in China with the disease and their health was improving by each passing day.

The government of Pakistan and the Embassy in China were in constant contact with the affected students and their families for provision of the best medical treatment.

Pakistan stand with the stance of the Chinese government, which os pursuing recommendations of World Health Organisation to overcome the spread of the disease, he said.

Zafar said quarantine had been initiated in China for Pakistani travellers to prevent potential spread.

A Health Declaration Card would be distributed amongst all passengers in view of coronavirus outbreak and passengers were advised to fill the forms and handover the same to health staff in the international arrival lounge, the officials said.

The form contains demographic information of each passenger, travel history and health status, including issues like fever, cough and shortness of breath.

“It is the top priority of the government to keep people of the country safe from the deadly virus and the government would spare no effort in that regard,” he said.

Mirza said no Pakistani would be allowed to travel back to the country from China until they completed a 14-day observation period.

He said the policy is being implemented after China declared that no Chinese citizen will be allowed to travel abroad until the completion of the 14-day observation period.

“Those declared free of the virus after the period will be issued with a certificate that assures the airport officials that they are free from the disease,” Mirza said.

“Through this one measure we have ensured Pakistan remains free from the disease. Because our case definition says that travelling and staying in China is an important factor [behind the spread of the disease],” said Mirza.