By Our Reporter
QUETTA: 24 journalists have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the provincial capital during the last couple of days. This was revealed during special tests conducted by the directorate of health for journalists at Quetta Press Club the other day.
The journalists include bureau chiefs of leading national channels, reporters, cameramen, photographers, and other media professionals. They all have been quarantined and kept themselves in isolation to battle the virus, a senior journalist who declined to be named told the daily Quetta Voice.
Fortunately, all the journalists tested positive for the deadly virus were in stable condition. Mild symptoms had developed among the journalists infected by the virus. However, some of them had not developed any symptoms even then, they were tested positive. “I have been tested positive but I have not a single symptom of coronavirus”, a journalist told the daily Quetta Voice telephone.
The journalists were already faced with repeated pay cuts, delayed salaries, and job insecurity. The coronavirus has compounded their problems and there seems to be no policy on the part of media houses to support them in this hour of trial. Freedom Network, an organization working for the rights, training, safety, and security of journalists, has also expressed concerned voice regarding increasing cases of journalists and urged upon the concerned quarters to support the newsmen in these difficult times.
