For the past few weeks, the Pakistanis have been calm as there were zero cases of Coronavirus in the country, however, all hell broke loose when 2 identified cases of Coronavirus came into the picture.
Officially announced. #coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/yJIhtj4Ics
— Najm Us Saqib Yousafzai🇵🇰 (@UsNajm) February 26, 2020
And ever since the news was made official, there’s a wave of panic amongst the citizens:
220/ I can confirm first two cases of corona virus in Pakistan. Both cases are being taken care of according to clinical standard protocols & both of them are stable. No need to panic, things are under control. I will hold press conf tomorrow on return from Taftan.
— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) February 26, 2020
People were sharing precautionary measures to protect yourself:
How to protect yourself against coronavirus ? Watch this video by @WHO#CoronavirusOutbreak#coronaviruspakistan
— Mubashir Mahmood (@mubashirmahmood) February 26, 2020
People were furious that the specialised N95 masks were being sold ten times their actual price:
We may face a disaster from #CoronavirusOutbreak in 🇵🇰 and instead of helping each other businessmen community has stored all the stock in godowns or selling at the price of RS 1300-2000 while actual price of this box is RS 120-150. What a shameful moment!#coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/2xGv8zGBXe
— Muhammad Zeeshan (@ZeeshanChPak) February 26, 2020
If you are a pharmacy owner and you have increased the price of mask after confirmation of first #CoronaVirus in Pakistan, I pray you die with this virus and directly go to hell#coronaviruspakistan
— Farrukh Shahzad Chauhan (@FarrukhFL) February 26, 2020
Since both the cases shared travel history from Iran, some urged that the Shia leadership comes forward:
Shia leadership must come forward and ask pilgrims who went to Iran and Iraq recent must self-isolate. Given Pakistan’s health standards and high-rise inflation, it would be a huge catastrophe!
— Jaffer Abbas Mirza (@jafferamirza) February 26, 2020
If you’re headed out to crowded places, please wear these masks:
N95/N100 respirator mask can protect you in this situation.. it is designed to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous atmospheres, including particulate matter such as dusts and airborne microorganisms, as well as hazardous fumes, vapours and gases.#coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/0Q4pCRGh9y
— Zara Ansari (@zara_ansari) February 26, 2020
People were also worried that PSL season could also become a source for the spreading of the virus:
It’s PSL season, nothing gets bigger gatherings than our stadiums, these days. Please stay safe, take precautions, wear masks and keep hand sanitizers with you. Not everyone is on SM, aware everyone around you, your home workers, to stores, anyone you meet. #coronaviruspakistan
— Sameena E. (@SameenaERana) February 26, 2020
People were praying for the country:
Ya ALLAH ! Save Pakistan & the World from Coronavirus 🙏#coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/ghus9F8cae
— Ali jutt (@alijutt167) February 26, 2020
Government also decided to close schools for the safety of children:
BREAKING: #Sindh Govt decided to close all the schools of province for Thursday & Friday (27th & 28th Feb). Confirmed Sindh information Minister Saeed Ghani. Spread the word. #Coronaviruspakistan #COVID19 #Karachi #TimesOfKarachi pic.twitter.com/J1ki8gew8W
— The Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) February 26, 2020
Some were busting the common myths related to the virus:
#Coronaviruspakistan
Myths and facts pic.twitter.com/xR6f01w9Pg— SaadiaSattar (@SaadiaSattar_) February 27, 2020
People were requesting others to stop spreading rumours:
My Request To All #Pakistanis
Please do not make this virus a political issue
Do not spread rumors
Do not share or Retweet any news that is not 100% confirmed
Do not promote fake cures
Support each other. Support #Pakistan
WE ARE ALL IN IT TOGETHER#coronaviruspakistan
— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@MirMAKOfficial) February 26, 2020
Many were urging others to think logically:
Avoid rumors and panic.
Think logically and stay safe! #Coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/1vFj5KJeLH— 🌊 (@emfitryti) February 26, 2020
People were also sharing Duas to recite:
Recite this dua and share with others.
Stay safe.#caronavirusoutbreak#coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/E8U5mgmfxY— Syeda Fariha 🔥 (@SyedaFarihaAli2) February 26, 2020
It Sahih Hadees. Recite this prayer when you will see any corona patient Inshallah you will never get Coronavirus.
#Coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/cxCCOQCJhh— Drillis Ertugrul (@valid_Human) February 27, 2020
Many were sharing the statistics of the virus to help calm down the people:
According to report *The novel coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 46 countries and territories around the world with overall 81,296 infected and 2,770 deaths cases and 30,359 people recovered from #CoronavirusOutbreak infections.#coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/5JDxYYUt9t
— Behroz Dashti (@behrozbaloch2) February 26, 2020
Cricketer Ahmad Shahzad too requested his followers to stay calm:
Two Cases of Corona Virus reported in Karachi, my request to everyone please DO NOT PANIC follow precautions. May Allah keep the city and our country safe #CoronaVirusPakistan
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) February 26, 2020
Some were urging that people now switch to foods and supplements that increase the immunity:
Time to tell ppl to have 2 eggs for immune boosting against coronavirus#CoronavirusPakistan pic.twitter.com/i9Z6jP1Rdf
— Waqar javed (@Waqarjaved1515) February 26, 2020
People were sharing every little bit of information they could:
General precautionary measures against coronavirus. Stay safe. #CoronavirusOutbreak #CoronavirusPakistan pic.twitter.com/auulPENE7C
— ZARA ARSHAD 🇵🇰 (@ZaraArshad_) February 26, 2020
People were sharing basic self diagnostic tests to help the community:
Take a deep breath in morning and hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. If you complete it successfully without coughing, without discomfort, stuffiness or tightness etc it proves there is no fibrosis in the lungs, basically indicating no infection.#coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/N0NEZtx7KH
— Zeeshan Abbasi (@abbasizeeshan22) February 26, 2020
Disgusting to say the least:
Bitter truth#Coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/Vejfuz2PRd
— Tehreem khan (@Pti20k) February 27, 2020
Some were urging that the specialised masks should be handed out for free:
It should be provided free to all. Take action immediately!#Coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/7bDuOWrTmo
— Anaskhan (@Anaskha18682782) February 26, 2020
People were worried how the country is just not ready for the corona catastrophe:
Be responsible. Spreading virus by negligence is nothing less than deliberately endangering others. Pakistan’s health system cannot afford that.#CoronavirusPakistan https://t.co/b0t7N93OCM
— Atif Tauqeer (@atifthepoet) February 26, 2020
Mind-blown!
Why is nobody talking about this 😂#Coronaviruspakistan pic.twitter.com/bfUsjtjr5I
— Kashi Views (@cashiviews) February 26, 2020
Many were just not having it:
Asking Pakistanis to wash their hands frequently or to cover while sneezing or coughing is like asking Faez Eesa to give money trail. #NotHappening #CoronaVirusPakistan
— Godfather IV (@godfatheriv) February 26, 2020
And while many were panicking, there were people who were bringing hope:
Karachiets and Pakistanis, start distributing masks, so we can contain this virus timely. Otherwise, no one can be spared.
Medical store owners should manage price, price shouldn't be increased at any cost. Otherwise, get ready for makafat-e-amal (Karma). #coronaviruspakistan
— 🇵🇰 (@KnightRises_) February 26, 2020
Many shared how we will have to fight this together:
We are all in this together. This is not a partisan issue. Let's work to keep all of us safe #coronaviruspakistan
— Fahd Husain (@Fahdhusain) February 26, 2020
People all over social media are sharing videos of DIY masks, but these masks are ineffective when it comes to Corona, think smart:
Made in Home Mask 😷#CoronavirusOutbreak#CoronavirusPakistanpic.twitter.com/5VtJy2yjRo
— Islamabad (@Islaamabad) February 26, 2020
With that being said, here’s to hoping and praying that the virus is contained and doesn’t spread. Stay safe everyone!