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Tag: coronavirus

  • Royals find unique ways to greet people amid coronavirus outbreak

    Royals find unique ways to greet people amid coronavirus outbreak

    After the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus to be a pandemic, medical experts have advised people not to greet each other with a handshake. Hugs, high fives and side kisses are also to be avoided.

    In the light of this, people are adopting unique ways to greet each other. The Indian namaste or ‘the Wuhan Shake’ has become the go-to way to greet each other now so much so that even the royals have now adopted it.

    A video of Prince Charles which has gone viral on social media, shows him finding it difficult to avoid shaking hands when greeting people.

    The Prince of Wales arrived at the Prince’s Trust Awards, held at the London Palladium, where he attempted to shake the hand of Sir Kenneth Olisa, the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London. After extending his hand, the 71-year-old remembered the precautions and he placed his palms together for a ‘Namaste‘ instead.

       Prince Harry was also spotted giving singer Craig David an anti-coronavirus “elbow bump” greeting at the Commonwealth Day service in London.

    Meanwhile, check out how other world leaders are greeting each other amidst the pandemic.

    IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank Group President David Malpass bump elbows at the end of a joint press briefing on COVID-19 in Washington, DC.
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by BJP president JP Nadda as he arrives to attend the BJP Board meeting at BJP HQ in New Delhi
    U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who heads the government’s coronavirus task force, greets a woman at the Washington State Emergency Operations Center during a tour at Camp Murray near Tacoma, Washington.
  • Amid coronavirus pandemic, Pakistani actors head to Thailand for film shoot

    Amid coronavirus pandemic, Pakistani actors head to Thailand for film shoot

    With the World Health Organisation (WHO), declaring the coronavirus outbreak to be a pandemic, countries across the world are aiming to minimise human contact in an attempt to control the spread of the virus. Air travel has been limited and several countries have completely locked down.

    Amidst all that, a group of Pakistani actors has headed to Thailand to shoot for their upcoming film. Shamoon Abbasi, Mani, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin and Sanam Saeed are among those who have gone to Thailand to shoot for their upcoming film Ishrat – Made in China.

    Abbasi shared an update from Dubai airport, asserting that there is no need to panic.

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9pS1-4piZr/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Abbasi also shared a picture with the crew.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ohI0KJOmf/

    Salman ‘Mani’ Sheikh shared a picture of himself with HSY.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9lJx5CJTL9/

    Ace designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin also shared a picture of himself with Sanam Saeed in Bangkok.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ntHiShO_W/

    Ishrat Made in China will mark the directorial debut of Mohib Mirza. It will star Sanam Saeed, Shamoon Abbasi and Mani among others. No further details about the project have been revealed as yet.

    Read more – Pakistani movies releasing in 2020

    Meanwhile, Humayun Saeed, Hira Mani and Adnan Siddiqui have gone the United States for a Meray Paas Tum Ho meet.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9p1vJRHLVA/

    Another case being reported in Karachi on Friday took the total number of infections in Pakistan to 22. The patient is a 52-year-old who returned from Islamabad two days ago. The latest case is the first in Pakistan to have no history of foreign travel.

    Most of Pakistan’s coronavirus cases have been reported in Sindh where authorities are taking strict measures to control the outbreak. No cases have officially been reported in Punjab, while two of the reported cases have surfaced in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

  • Win for embattled Pakistan as 64-year-old coronavirus patient recovers

    In what is being termed as a major win for the country amid reports that the new coronavirus can be fatal for the elderly, a 64-year-old infected man in Karachi has been discharged from the hospital following complete recovery, government officials have confirmed.

    Journalist Omar Qureshi had on Thursday tweeted that a 64-year-old suffering from coronavirus in Pakistan had recovered.

    The tweet had come after reports said that a second patient infected with the COVID-19 had been discharged from the hospital.

    Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab confirmed the development, saying that the 64-year-old had tested negative and sent back home.

    Provincial health officials had on Wednesday said the second coronavirus patient in Karachi was recovering and would be discharged soon if his condition improved further.

    The resident of the port city’s Kharadar neighbourhood was admitted to Civil Hospital on February 29. According to the hospital administration, further tests were conducted on Wednesday and were sent to the lab. “The patient would be discharged if the test results are negative,” the hospital administration had added.

    The family members of COVID-19 patient were also tested the day he contracted the virus. However, the results were negative.

    Earlier, the first coronavirus patient was discharged from the hospital after full recovery.

    The patient was in isolation and treatment for the past 10 days and was tested three times.

    The young patient, who is believed to have contracted the virus in the Iranian holy city of Qum, was diagnosed on February 26 and subsequently shifted to the isolation ward of a private hospital. He had travelled to the Islamic Republic in a group of 28 pilgrims.

  • Coronavirus: IPL likely to begin without foreign players

    Coronavirus: IPL likely to begin without foreign players

    Chennai Super Kings Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kasi Vishwanathan has made it clear that the fresh visa advisory from the Indian government has made it almost impossible for foreign players to join their respective teams in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before April 15 unless the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gets special permission.

    According to Indian media reports, the CEO said that most of the foreign players were booked on business visas and in such a scenario the fresh advisory sent out by the government on Wednesday said that they won’t be allowed entry till April 15, despite the cricketing tournament beginning later this month.

    “Most of the players are travelling with business visas and that is how they come and play in the IPL. So, it will be impossible for them to join the teams unless the BCCI gets special permission. As of now, it is not possible as the diktat is pretty clear and we cannot go against the government,” he said.

    Asked what could be the best way forward, he said, “The BCCI needs to sit down with the government and I mean both the central and the state governments across the board and get to some understanding on how they need to go forward. Unless special permission is given, it will not be possible for foreign players to join the teams.”

    A second meeting of the Group of Ministers — Cabinet Committee — on Wednesday had cancelled all visas, except for a few official categories, till April 15 in the wake of the growing coronavirus scare.

  • PSL 2020: PCB allows foreign players to leave country amid coronavirus fears

    PSL 2020: PCB allows foreign players to leave country amid coronavirus fears

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed foreign players, who are currently in the country for the ongoing fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), to leave if they fear the coronavirus pandemic that continues to spread in Pakistan amid government’s efforts to contain it.

    Another case being reported in Karachi on Friday took the total number of infections in Pakistan to 22. The patient is a 52-year-old who returned from Islamabad two days ago. The latest case is the first in Pakistan to have no history of foreign travel.

    “PCB allows all foreign players who wish to go back to their homes to leave their contracts with #PSLV. If a significant number leave, might really dent interest in the remaining matches. But few alternative options,” journalist Hasan Zaidi tweeted.

    The news comes a day after the Sindh government said the remaining matches of the popular T20 cricket championship in Karachi will be played without spectators.

    “This decision has been made after consultation with all stakeholders including the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the provincial government spokesperson, Murtaza Wahab, tweeted.

    Most of Pakistan’s coronavirus cases have been reported in Sindh where authorities are taking strict measures to control the outbreak. No cases have officially been reported in Punjab, while two of the reported cases have surfaced in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

  • COAS, top army officers review coronavirus measures

    COAS, top army officers review coronavirus measures

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday directed “all concerned to gear up preparations in support of national effort” to counter coronavirus in the country, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.

    The army chief chaired the 230th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters (GHQ), which according to the military’s media-wing, discussed the emerging situation with regards to COVID-19 — the new coronavirus — and the preventive measures taken at army level.

    “COAS directed all concerned to gear up preparations in support of national effort to counter this pandemic in case of any eventuality,” the ISPR said in a statement issued after the meeting.

    The forum also reviewed the operational preparedness, situation along the Line of Control (LoC), geo-strategic environment and national and regional security situation with particular emphasis on the Afghanistan peace process.

    “The path to regional stability and peace passes through Afghanistan. Collaborative approach and patience can help overcome all challenges for which Pakistan is ready to play its part with utmost sincerity,” the army chief emphasised.

  • Remaining PSL matches in Karachi to take place without any crowd

    With 22 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Pakistan, the Sindh Government has announced that the remaining matches of the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) scheduled to take place in Karachi will take place in empty stadiums and without any crowds.

    Advisor to the Chief Minister on Law Murtaza Wahab made the announcement on social media.

    The National Stadium in Karachi was scheduled to host five matches, on March 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17. Today’s (March 12) clash between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars is also currently taking place in the National Stadium though Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has said that entry to the stadium will not be banned today.

    However, the upcoming matches will be played behind behind closed doors to empty stadiums.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a press release said, “Following advice from the Sindh Government late Thursday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board, has made a decision to stage the upcoming Karachi HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches in front of empty National Stadium. The precautionary decision has been made to better protect the health and safety of the spectators, players, officials and media.”

    The release further stated, “The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the National Stadium. In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel, as well as franchise owners, will be allowed to attend matches.”

    “In the meantime, the PCB has advised all players to avoid shaking hands and have also urged the fans not to approach the players for autographs, photographs and selfies. In addition to this, the PCB has decided the sides will not be required to shake hands with each other or opposition in the lead up to and during the matches and use a fist bump / verbal greeting instead.”

    As far as the matches and the final in Lahore are concerned, the board said, “With regards to the remaining fixtures in Lahore, we are already in contact with the Punjab Government and will take on board its advisory in relation to the Lahore matches.”

    Earlier, netizens had urged the PCB to cancel the PSL matches.

    It is also pertinent to mention here that India on Thursday ordered upcoming international cricket matches to be played in empty stadiums in a bid to control the spread of coronavirus.

    The chief ministers of two states where India is due to play matches against South Africa this month “have been advised to avoid gathering of people,” RS Jhulaniya said. “Matches may go on without spectator crowd”.

    Furthermore, Brijesh Patel, governing council chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the country’s premier domestic cricket tournament due to start later this month, said the organisation would meet on Saturday to discuss “all possibilities” regarding the tournament, including visas issues for overseas players and the possibility of playing matches in empty stadiums.

    Sport across the world has been badly affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

  • Sindh Health Department issues coronavirus advisory for schools

    Sindh Health Department issues coronavirus advisory for schools

    After Gilgit-Baltistan reported its third patient, the number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus ‘COVID-19’ infections in Pakistan rose to 21 on Wednesday. Karachi has been the worst affected city so far, with 15 of the total confirmed cases. Of the remaining, three cases have been reported in Gilgit-Baltistan and one case has been reported each in Islamabad, Hyderabad and Quetta.

    In the wake of these developments, the Sindh Health Department has said that any student or employee, who returned to the country within the last fifteen days from abroad will not be allowed to attend school, college or university till they complete their 14-day quarantine at home.

    Here is the Health Department’s advisory:

    1. Any student or employee of all public and private school, college or university who has arrived in Pakistan from abroad or has a family member who has arrived from abroad within last fifteen days, he/she shall not be allowed to send their children to schools, colleges and universities till they complete 14 days stay in their home after coming to Pakistan as a measure of quarantine. All parents must inform the concerned institutes if there is a history of travel of a family member.

    2. Any student, family or employee of all public and private schools, colleges and universities of Sindh province having cough or body ache or fever or shortness of breath or flu shall not be allowed to enter school premises. Moreover, any employee of public and private schools, colleges and universities having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Asthma must avoid attending school, college or university. They should remain at their home.

    3. All students and employees of public and private schools. colleges and universities must avoid gatherings and crowded spaces. There should be minimum space of 1 metre (about 3 feet) between seating at all the institutes.

    4. All must perform hand hygiene frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitizer.

    5. Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing with your flexed elbow or use a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately after use. Please avoid spitting and avoid touching your face.

    6. There should be a health desk for health education, screening and awareness regarding COVID-19 to be set by students and employees of public and private schools, colleges and universities.

    7. The Deputy Commissioner concerned, as per provisions under Sindh Epidemic Diseases Act 2014, may exercise his authority to ensure all these preventive measures for prevention of COVID-19 spread.

    A COVID-19 Control Room has also been established at the Commissioner Office Karachi.

    This 24/7 operational facility can be reached at 021-99204452, 021-99206565 and 0316-0111712. 

  • ’25 LUMS students being tested for coronavirus’? Here’s what you need to know

    ’25 LUMS students being tested for coronavirus’? Here’s what you need to know

    With 20 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Pakistan, the panic surrounding the pandemic has increased with people urging the government to take strict and timely actions to contain the virus. While all that is happening, fake news and misinformation regarding the spread of the virus is also circulating on social media, in particular, on Whatsapp.

    Below is a screenshot of a message that is widely being shared on social media.

    However, according to The Current’s sources, the information in the message is incorrect. To begin with, there were less than 25 students who went on the trip to Turkey. The students were individually screened and cleared by officials present at the airport when they returned to Pakistan. As a precautionary measure, all the students underwent further tests at the hospital to ensure that they don’t have the disease. According to the LUMS official Twitter account, all the results received so far are negative.

    While the rest of the results are yet to come, the students and administration is requesting the public to not spread misinformation and panic.

    It is also being reported that the university has extended its mid-semester break till April 7. The break will begin on March 16, as scheduled.

    COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that had not been previously identified in humans. The virus causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more severe cases, pneumonia. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face.

    It was discovered in mainland China in mid-December and has since spread globally despite efforts to contain it.

  • VIDEO: Senior journalist cracks netizens up by saying ‘coronavirus came from Italy’s corona city’

    VIDEO: Senior journalist cracks netizens up by saying ‘coronavirus came from Italy’s corona city’

    A senior journalist and analyst has left netizens in fits of laughter after claiming that the new coronavirus “probably originated in the corona city of Italy” that is the most affected by the global pandemic.

    There is no city called ‘corona’ in Italy, and even if there was, we doubt it could have anything to do with the outbreak of the COVID-19 that, since its discovery in Wuhan city of China, has claimed over 4,500 lives with at least 126,000 infections.

    “…it’s happening in Italy that is very much affected and corona[virus] probably originated from its corona area,” senior journalist Nazir Leghari can be heard as saying in a video doing rounds over the internet.

    WATCH VIDEO:

    Here’s what Twitterati have to say about it:

    Some even went on to explain how COVID-19 — the new coronavirus — got its name.

    COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new virus that had not been previously identified in humans. The virus causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more severe cases, pneumonia. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face.

    It was discovered in mainland China in mid-December and has since spread globally despite efforts to contain it.