NHS launches coronavirus awareness web portal

The Ministry of Health Services, in coordination with the National Information Technology Board (NITB), has launched a web portal offering latest information and updates regarding the novel coronavirus, reported The News on Friday.

“The NITB team has activated this portal for the general public on behalf of the Ministry of Health within the shortest possible time frame,” NITB CEO Shabahat Ali Shah said at the web portal launch.

“We are hoping that this tool will serve as an effective source of information for all,” he added. Special Assistant to the PM on Health Dr Zafar Mirza tweeted that an online coronavirus platform for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) was also being launched.

Read also: Karachi coronavirus patient's health improving, life out of danger: health department

“In addition to the 1169 COVID19 helpline, we are also launching an online coronavirus platform for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the disease. Please go to app.nhsrc.gov.pk for more info and spread this among your friends, family and followers.”

The web portal has been created in view of the rising threat of COVID-19 in various countries. The portal contains details about the symptoms of COVID-19, its spread in humans, incubation period, protective measures, as well as travel and medical advisories, among other information.

More than 2,700 people have died in China since the outbreak began in December last year. More than 78,000 cases have been confirmed inside of Mainland China.

Earlier this week, Pakistan reported its first two cases of coronavirus. The first case was reported from China, in a 22-year-old who had recently returned from Iran.

No new coronavirus case, ready to deal with epidemic: Sindh govt spokesperson

The 22-year-old's condition had reportedly started to deteriorate on February 18 and he underwent a hijama — or cupping therapy — at a local health centre in the Iranian city of Mashhad. After that, he suffered from a headache.

He had arrived in Karachi on February 20, indicating that there were chances that the thermal screening machines at the airports for those entering the country may not have worked after all.

The other coronavirus patient was a resident of Islamabad who had been admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) where he was being treated. On Friday Dr Mirza had said that both patients were 'stable and improving'.