LUMS says 21 students who returned from Turkey MUN test 'negative' for coronavirus

LAHORE: The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) on Thursday confirmed that 21 of its students who returned from Turkey after participating in a Model United Nations (MUN) conference have tested negative for coronavirus.

The novel coronavirus — or COVID-19 — has so far affected at least 21 people in Pakistan, with the highest number, 15, being in Karachi, three in Gilgit-Baltistan, and one each in Islamabad, Hyderabad, and Quetta. Two of the patients in Karachi, including patient zero, have recovered.

In a statement, the LUMS said the students were tested for coronavirus "as a precaution".

"All results received so far are negative. LUMS is putting all measures in place to ensure a safe and healthy campus," the institute added.

In a coronavirus advisory on its website, the institute noted that if any of the LUMS students experiences flu-like symptoms, they "are advised to stay home, self-isolate and notify the University immediately".

Gilgit Baltistan reports third coronavirus case

Earlier today, Gilgit Baltistan had reported its third case of coronavirus, taking the nation-wide tally to 21, according to government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq.

Firaq had said the patient — a 31-year-old resident of Shigar district — has a history of travel to Iran and was under treatment at the Skardu hospital.