By APD writer Muhammad Sohail
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 2 (APD) – Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing said on Sunday that after the spread of Coronavirus in China, the Chinese government is caring Pakistanis in China more than the Chinese and providing them with best medical and other facilities, local media reported.
The ambassador told local media on Sunday the Chinese government has taken serious steps since January 22, when it emerged.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have given special attention to the campaign to tackle the epidemic and are constantly monitoring the steps taken for it.
To date, the number of certified Coronavirus patients in China has increased to 14 thousand, while the number of suspects is close to twenty thousand, and 304 have been killed.
He said, two things have been very helpful in promoting the ongoing campaign. “First, the number of confirmed patients is declining day by day and second more people are being recovered,” said the ambassador adding that it also indicates that the Chinese government, Chinese doctors and the health department are in a position to cope with the epidemic and take measures to prevent it.
The Chinese ambassador said the Pakistani leaders, the government, the people and the society have supported China at this difficult time and helped and encouraged them, which is commendable.
“We understand that this epidemic is causing a wave of anxiety not only in Chinese and Pakistani people but all over the world because it is a sudden challenge. We are aware of the concerns of the people, the media and the Pakistani people in China” said the ambassador.
So far, it is fortunate that no certified patient has been found in Pakistan and all suspects have been discharged from hospitals after medical examination.
The Pakistani government and the Ministry of Health have taken several effective measures to prevent the outbreak, which is helping to prevent it in Pakistan, he added.
He said, till date, there are 538 Pakistanis in Wuhan's Red Zone for which Chinese authorities have taken very serious measures, but such actions are for all Chinese people and foreigners in China. He said currently there are 3,000 people from 120 countries with strict travel restrictions in Wuhan and so far, four Pakistanis have been diagnosed with the disease, but they are not from Wuhan.
He said, “I assure you that these Pakistanis are well cared and treated and the good thing is that they are recovering and will be discharged from the hospital soon. China is using the best system for caring for Pakistani people, especially students.”
He urged the people of Pakistan to follow the government and the health department guidelines and avoid going to public meetings, use a mask, wash your hands frequently and contact the hospital if someone has a fever or persistent cough. China has the best experience in dealing with such conditions and the best medical facilities, he added.
Responding to a question, the ambassador said that people are banned traveling in Wuhan and Hubei, but residents in other cities do not face the same situation. He said in light of the World Health Organization guidelines, it is better for other citizens to avoid travel.
The ambassador said that all countries, individuals and institutions should make a concerted effort to deal with the pandemic, rather then listen to rumors.
“We must give priority to humanity on all matters. We cannot give a date for the end of this epidemic, but some experts in China say that in the coming days, the epidemic will rise but it will decline again,” he added.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)