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ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad administration has made the wearing of masks in public mandatory amid a worsening coronavirus situation in the country.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Hamza Shafqat, issued a notification stated that Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been enforced for the implementation of the rule.
The district administration has warned that legal action will be taken against those found not wearing a mask, adding that the rule will remain in place for the next two months.
Additionally, five sectors of Islamabad have been declared coronavirus “hotspots” and will be sealed. Sectors G-6/2, Sector G-9/1, G-10/4 will be sealed as will Sectors I-8/3 and I/8-4.
The coronavirus situation has worsened as the total number of cases surge past 600,000 to hit 602,536 in the last 24 hours. National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) chief Asad Umar had said “there is no doubt that the third coronavirus wave has begun”.
Separately, Rawalpindi imposed new restrictions, including on markets, which will now be required to shut down by 6PM starting Monday.
Four localities of Rawalpindi have also been declared as “hotpots” namely Street No. 4, Sadiqabad; Sreet No . 27, Allama Iqbal Colony; CB 1231 Near Qasar-e-Abu Talib, Azizabad; and Dhoke Parachi, Sadiqabad. A complete lockdown will be imposed in these areas for two weeks starting March 15.
In Multan, a ban has been imposed on Jashn-e-Baharan (spring festival) and public gatherings. Wedding ceremonies are allowed so long as they take place in open-air venues with limited guests. Shops will be shut down by 6PM and indoor dining will no longer be allowed.
The National Command and Operations Centre convened and expressed grave concern over the worryingly high number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan. It noted that the positivity ratio in the country had risen from 5% to 6% and observed that there was a rise in positive cases in Islamabad, and major cities of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.
The authority said all federal units should take immediate steps for strict implementation of standard operating procedures. It said an extension in lockdown for certain cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as other measures were discussed. The meeting also discussed the spread of the new UK variant in Pakistan.
