Pakistanis coming from abroad should self-quarantine for 14 days: Imran Khan

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has advised all those coming from abroad to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Imran gave a plan to citizens for fight against the pandemic as the number of coronavirus cases jumped to 237 in the country.

“We as a nation need to win this war,” Imran said while addressing the nation in a televised address.

Prime minister asked the countrymen to follow these precautionary measures to stop spread of deadly virus.

• People must avoid gatherings of over 40 people, specially those behind closed doors.

• Avoid handshaking as the virus can easily spread through physical contact.

• Those coming from abroad to go in a 14-day self-quarantine.

• Every flu and cough is not COVID-19. Only those with severe symptoms should visit hospitals for coronavirus testing.

Earlier, prime minister said he fears the new coronavirus will devastate the economies of developing nations, and warned richer economies to prepare to write off the debts of the world's poorer countries.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Imran called for lifting sanctions against Iran, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East.

Imran sat down with the AP at his office in the resplendent white-domed government headquarters in the capital of Islamabad. He'd spent much of his day meeting experts about the effect of the coronavirus outbreak in Pakistan.

"My worry is poverty and hunger," Imran said. "The world community has to think of some sort of a debt write-off for countries like us, which are very vulnerable, at least that will help us in coping with (the coronavirus).”

He said that if a serious outbreak happens in Pakistan, he's worried that his government's efforts to lift the ailing economy out of near-collapse would begin an unstoppable slide backward. Exports would fall off, unemployment would soar and an onerous national debt would become an impossible burden.

Pakistan secured a $6 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last year.