THIS is apropos the reports regarding the outbreak of Coronavirus in Chna and 17 deaths to date.

The virus is related to respiratory ailments, and the current epidemic was first reported in Wuhan, China. More than 570 people have landed in hospital owing to the virus. The virus is very infectious and can easily infect people working with or interacting with patients.

In the light of the above, the Pakistani health authorities should take appropriate measures immediately to protect citizens. The various CPEC projects are being supervised by Chinese engineers and technical experts. These people travel frequently between Pakistan and China and may inadvertently carry the disease to our lands.

A vast majority of the CPEC projects are located in remote areas where health facilities are rudimentary at best. There are thousands of local people working with the Chinese. Therefore, the health concern is genuine. The government must act proactively and ensure Coronavirus does not spread in our country.

Asif Ali Khan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2020