SAHIWAL: The district health authorities has screened 780 people who had 10-12 days travel history of coming from abroad, including Iran, Italy, Afghanistan and other countries of Europe.

Health CEO Azhar Naqvi told Dawn that of them, 746 were tested negative for Covid-19 while results of the remaining people are being awaited.

He said three days back the federal and provincial governments had shared a list of those citizens who had travel history of coming from abroad during the past 10-12 days. Azhar Naqvi said the list was followed under certain SOPs and all were screened at seven quarantine centres of Sahiwal district.

Commissioner Muhammad Ihsan Waheed said not a single suspected patient was detected in any public sector hospital.

Meanwhile, Okara General Commanding Officer Maj-Gen Asif Ghafoor visited the Sahiwal city on Monday and examined arrangements regarding the coronavirus threat. The GOC visited DHQ teaching hospital and Haji Qayum hospital where he was briefed about the isolation centre.

Asif Ghafoor also visited Jinnah Hostel, Government Postgraduate College, which has been developed as a major quarantine centre. Mr. Asif Ghafoor showed satisfaction over the arrangements.

MELA CANCELLED: Chan Pir shrine Sajjada Nasheen Syed Hasan Raza Gillani has cancelled the annual anniversary celebration of Sakhi Muhammad Ali popularly known as Chan Pir Mela at Basti Ghulam Qadir, Pakpattan.

The festival was going to be started from March 26 but because of coronavirus threat the three-day event has been cancelled.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2020