Bhara Kahu, Shahzad Town de-sealed

Three Irfanabad streets sealed after emergence of Covid-19 case

ISLAMABAD: Over two weeks, after they were sealed over fears of a novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cluster, the sub-urban localities of Kot Hathiyal in Bhara Kahu and Shahzad Town were de-sealed by the district administration on Thursday.

However, the authorities sealed a locality near Taramri Chowk after a Covid-19 positive case emerged there. A notification issued by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration on Thursday directed to de-seal the two localities. ICT Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqat said that the decision has been taken after obtaining clearance from the health department.

Before lifting curfew in both areas, health department officials tested all residents to check if any of them either tested positive for the virus or if they displayed any symptoms of Covid-19. With all test results coming back as negative, the health authorities decided to de-seal the two localities.

The district administration proceeded to disinfect both areas with the help of the health department and then de-sealed them.

However, two mosques in the Kot Hathiyal Union Council (UC) in Bara Kahu — where a cluster of 13 people were found to be infected and prompted authorities to seal the area — will remain sealed along with adjoining streets. The mosques which will remain sealed include Bilal and Makki mosques.

Meanwhile, street 6 of Shehzad Town will also remain under lockdown until further orders. The general lockdown, as implemented in the city under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), will be applicable in the de-sealed areas.

Separately, the ICT administration sealed three streets in the Irfanabad area of Taramri Chowk after a case emerged there. A notification issued said that the areas sealed include main street, Street C-2 and Lane-C. Personnel of the Islamabad Police, Rangers and the army have been deployed in the area to implement a cordon.

OPDs reopened

The ICT Administration on Thursday ordered to reopen the outpatient departments (OPDs) of public hospitals, which had been shut down on March 24 to avoid mass gatherings in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

A notification in this regard was issued by ICTA on Thursday, stating that the suspension of OPDs was being lifted given the difficulties being faced by patients who are suffering diseases other than Covid-19 and those who are seeking medical assistance.

However, the ICTA ordered all healthcare facilities to strictly abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the spread of the virus. It further added to implement all guidelines regarding disinfection, sanitisation, and hygiene in all OPDs. The orders were issued following a direction from the Supreme Court (SC).

Dry cleaners to open

Further, the district administration has added dry cleaners to the list of businesses exempted from the lockdown. A notification issued by the ICT administration said that dry cleaners will be allowed to operate their stores within the timings of the lockdown.

The district administration also outlined standard operating procedures for these services, restricting operations with a maximum of one helper while maintaining all other SOPs to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The ICTA also directed all laundry shop owners to ensure that all precautionary measures are taken for their customers during their dealing hours and further ascertain that people implemented social distancing advice whilst in their shop. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2020.