ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory has directed strict observance of coronavirus-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as the number of cases rise in the federal capital and other parts of the country.
The notification issued on the directions of the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC) directs the immediate implementation of 50 percent work-from-home policy and a time limit of 10 pm on all commercial activities, except for the essential services like pharmacy and medicine shops, groceries stores and bakeries.
The notification has been issued in exercise of powers under Epidemic Diseases Control Act 1958. It also calls for the closure of all amusement parks at 6PM.
The notification also withdraws the earlier decision of allowing indoor weddings, indoor dining, and the opening of cinemas and shrines from March 15. However, outdoor dining and takeaway will continue as per previous practice with strict enforcement of COVID-19 SOPs. It, however, allows outdoor gatherings in open space, limited to a maximum of 300 individuals.
The implementation of SOPs regarding social distancing, wearing of face masks, proper sanitation, and disinfection will continue. The notification warns that in case of any violation strict action will be taken against the violator. These measures will remain enforced till April 15.
The fresh restrictions come after a steady rise in covid-19 infections prompting the government to close educational institutions in seven cities of Punjab a day earlier. There were 53 deaths reported and 2,258 new cases in a 24-hour period. This is the first time that number of daily cases crossed 2000 since January.
Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan after a review by National Command and Control Centre (NCOC) said spring break will begin in seven cities in Punjab till March 28.
The cities mentioned were Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, Multan, Rawalpindi and Sialkot. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa only schools in Peshawar, which has reported a high positivity rate, all educational institutions will remain closed from March 15 to March 28.
