The government has launched a media awareness campaign over the spread of the novel coronavirus that has been multiplying for last few days, said a top official on Tuesday.

Special Assistant to PM Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the media role in this regard is worth-praising. “Media has a decisive role to play during this difficult time,” she added.

“The pulpit of mosque could also play a crucial role in order to tackle the global threat of this infection.”

She said that the ministry for religious affairs has been tasked with the responsibility to take the Ulemas of the country onboard to take a part in this national duty.

The SAPM said that PM Imran Khan’s meeting with Maulana Tariq Jamil, wherein the two figures greeted each other with hand gesture instead of handshake, was part of the social awareness campaign.

The SAPM said that it was “the need of the hour that we don’t panic and become more united and informed to control the spread of this fatal virus”.

The citizens need to be aware of the symptoms of the disease and the prevention measures so that “we are in a better position to keep ourselves safe and also help others in doing so”.

She however cautioned, “Don’t pay attention to rumours.”