DUSHANBE, 31.01.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Today, a working meeting regarding the recent declaration by WHO about the coronavirus outbreak in China was held at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of Tajikistan.

The Minister of Health and Social Protection of the Population Nasim Olimzoda, his deputies, heads of ministry’s departments and substructures attended the meeting.

While considering the current rate of infection in China, Olimzoda instructed the heads of departments and healthcare institutions to take necessary measures to prevent this disease, reports the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population.

“Despite the fact that this disease has not yet been registered in Tajikistan, the work to prevent this disease should be further strengthened,” Olimzda noted.

He said that at present, from 2 to 5 health workers and epidemiologists are working around the clock at 27 large and small checkpoints operating on the border with neighboring countries.

Yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international public health emergency over the outbreak of a new type of coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

“We don’t know what sort of damage this virus could do if it were to spread in a country with a weaker health system,” said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.