Social distancing ignored in Islamabad’s markets

Number of motorists on roads increasing despite lockdown measures

ISLAMABAD: With the number of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi rising to 185 and 175 respectively, a huge rush of people has been witnessed in different markets of the federal capital.

People have been found violating the lockdown while shopkeepers are also guilty of not taking proper measures for social distancing.

Similarly, motorists have been plying on various roads of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in violation of the lockdown imposed by the administration to control the spread of the COVID-19.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) and the Punjab government imposed a lockdown on March 23 to control the spread of Covid-19. Following the lockdown, police and personnel of the paramilitary Rangers had set up special pickets on various thoroughfares to discourage people from coming out of their homes and made some arrests in this regard.

Despite the measures adopted by the administration, the number of motorists on the roads has been increasing day by day, which may further deteriorate the situation.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2020.