Govt shuts Pak-Afghan border at Chaman over virus fears

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Quetta: Pakistan has decided to close its border with Afghanistan for a week with effect from March 2 (today) to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Pak-Afghan border at Chaman would close from Monday (today) for seven days “in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus on both sides of the border in the best interest of the people of the brotherly countries”, said a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior. Bilateral infantry and trade activities on the Pak-Afghan border will remain suspended, officials say.

In addition, various measures have been taken to protect the citizens from the Corona virus in tribal districts adjoining the Pak-Afghan border and Isolation wards have been established at DHQ Hospital, Parachinar.

Medical checkpoint set up at Torkham border

A medical checkpoint has also been set up at Torkham border and screening of those coming from Afghanistan is underway.

Isolation ward has been set up at Pakistan-Afghan Friendship Hospital at Torkham. Department of Health and National Health Establishment staff are examining fever patients through thermal scanners.

According to the provincial health department, more than 10,000 people have undergone screening in the last five days at the Chaman border.

On the other hand, today is the tenth day of the closure of Pak-Iran border at Taftan following the outbreak of coronavirus in Iran.

In Chagai district, at least 1,300 Pakistani citizens, including 1,034 pilgrims, returned to the country and eight Iranian nationals left for home after crossing Pak-Iran border in Taftan on Sunday.

Around 1731 people coming to Pakistan in the last two days have been kept in quarantine for 14 days in Pakistan House where they are being monitored and inspected.

In addition, under the Allama Iqbal Open University, matriculation and FA exams in Balochistan starting on March 2, while workshops for B.ED and M.ED have been postponed and new dates will be announced later.

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