Pakistan ramps up virus measures as infections rise

The Pakistani government has ramped up efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country as cases jumped to 31.

Pakistani authorities closed shrines of Sufi saints in the capital and elsewhere and visits to museums, archaeological and tourist sites.

Two people who had returned from Saudi Arabia and Dubai became Pakistan's first victims when they died Wednesday in the northwest.

It spread panic among those who were not taking infections seriously.

Pakistani authorities on Thursday were planning to quarantine hundreds of pilgrims who returned from Iran.

These pilgrims will be kept at isolated buildings in central Pakistan for two weeks.

Pakistan has already shut schools and students have been forced to leave hostels.