It is so sad that after doing its best, China has not succeed in controlling the deadly coronavirus, which is an alarming situation not only for this country but also for the whole world (“Virus shows no sign of let-up as China reports 5,000 new cases,” Feb.14, Gulf Today).

China’s coronavirus outbreak showed no sign of let-up, with health authorities reporting more than 5,000 new cases, while passengers on a cruise ship blocked from five countries due to virus fears finally disembarked in Cambodia.

News of the first death from the virus in Japan rattled Asian markets, already on edge after hopes that the epidemic was stabilising appeared to be dashed by a sharp rise in the number of cases.

In its latest update, China’s National Health Commission said it had recorded 121 new deaths and 5,090 new coronavirus cases on the mainland on Feb.13, taking the accumulated total infected to 63,851 people.

Unfortunately there is no medicine to cure coronavirus except keeping patients in isolation. But there are precautionary measures: wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitiser, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze; avoid close contact with anyone who is experiencing coronavirus and avoid sharing dishes, glasses, and other household items as well.

Now as we are pretty aware of such steps, it is our prime responsibility to take care of all instructions.

I believe that in a serious situation the most important thing is to organise special prayers all over the world that God Almighty forgive our sins and spare the world from the deadly virus.

I hope the world will soon witness improvement and shakes off this fear psychosis and everybody gets well soon.

Asim Khan
By email