IHC closed after employee tests positive

Limited staff to attend court tomorrow by adopting complete preventive measures

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court was closed on Saturday after an employee tested positive for coronavirus.

The high court building was immediately vacated and disinfectant spray was conducted under the supervision of Chief Justice Athar Minallah, while a limited number of staffers had been directed to come to the court on Monday (tomorrow).

The spray was sprayed and while appreciating the work of the scouts, he said that it should be brought to the notice of President Arif Alvi who is also the Chief Scout of Pakistan.

A circular issued by deputy registrar of the IHC, coronavirus test result of a staff member working in writ branch of the high court, came back positive, after which order was issued to close the high court immediately.

“A few staff have been directed to come to court on Monday and Tuesday by adopting complete preventive measures, Meantime, staff from all other branches have been stopped for coming to court,” the circular added.

The spray was conducted in the courtrooms, judges’ chambers, various branches, media rooms, porches and other parts of the building. On the direction of the Islamabad deputy commissioner, a team of scouts took part in the spray, who provided their services voluntarily.

Appreciating the spirit of these scouts, Chief Justice Athar Minallah said that President Arif Ali is the Chief Scout of Pakistan and it should be brought to his notice.

According to the sources, tests of seven employees were sent to the lab, out of which the report of one employee came back positive. The result of six other tests had yet to come.