Among the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries, Pakistan and India have the highest number of confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) cases. This has been revealed in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) most recent global situation report on COVID-19.
The WHO’s report, which was updated in the last 24 hours, says the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pakistan has crossed 180. India has slightly lesser than Pakistan with over 130 cases and three deaths from the virus.
Sri Lanka’s latest figure of COVID-19 cases stands at 29 and Afghanistan’s at 21. The Maldives and Bangladesh have 13 and 8 respectively.
Meanwhile, Bhutan and Nepal have the least number of cases among the SAARC countries. Both countries have one case each.
To contain the pandemic, the Pakistani government has converted hostels of all public universities in Punjab province into quarantine centres.
In India, media reports have highlighted all schools, colleges and cinema halls in Delhi will remain closed until 31st March.
Similar moves have been taken for iconic monuments such as Taj Mahal. Sanitisation of public transport vehicles and terminals are also being carried out.
The Maldivian government has closed its borders to arrivals from worst-hit countries including mainland China.
Sri Lanka suspended all incoming flights since yesterday for two weeks to combat COVID-19 pandemic. In Nepal, the government halts all mountaineering expeditions and tourist visas. Bangladesh imposes a 14-day quarantine on gulf workers and bans incoming flights from Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
In Bhutan, all schools and educational institutes have been closed until further notice from today.
Choni Dema
