Pakistan responds to Modi's call for joint effort against coronavirus
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited SAARC nations for a joint response against the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak, Pakistan responded in the affirmative. Pakistan—which has 20 positive coronavirus cases—acknowledged the importance of "coordinated efforts at global and regional levels" after Modi on Friday asked SAARC nations for a video conference call to discuss ways to tackle the outbreak.
Pakistan's SAPM (Health) available for SAARC video conference
The spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, Aisha Farooqui, tweeted Saturday, "The threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) requires coordinated efforts at a global and regional level." Farooqui added, "We have communicated that SAPM (Special Assistant to Prime Minister) on Health will be available to participate in the video conference of SAARC member countries on the issue." The SAPM on Health is Dr. Zafar Mirza.
You can view Farooqui's tweet here
Modi invited SAARC leadership to discuss strategy against COVID-19
Modi had on Friday invited the leaders of SAARC nations to discuss a strategy against COVID-19. He tweeted, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy." He said that together, the SAARC nations can set an example to the world.
You can view Modi's tweet here
Bhutan, Sri Lanka also responded to Modi's call
SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) members include India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Bhutan's Prime Minister also agreed to Modi's call for concerted efforts since "smaller economies are hit harder." Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said he is ready to share learnings to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and thanked Modi for the initiative.
What is the coronavirus outbreak?
COVID-19 was first detected in China's Wuhan city in December last year. The disease is caused by a new strain of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus affects a host's respiratory system and causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and cough. In severe cases, it causes pneumonia, multiple organ failure, and death. The disease has sickened 1.45 lakh people and killed over 5,400 worldwide.
Coronavirus cases jump to 83 in India
According to India's Health Ministry, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases rose to 83 on Saturday. The disease has also led to the deaths of two persons in India. The deceased include a 76-year-old man in Karnataka's Kalaburagi, who died on Tuesday, and a 68-year-old woman in Delhi, who died on Friday. The deceased woman was notably the mother of a coronavirus patient.
