Four more areas to be sealed in Islamabad

Lockdown will be imposed tomorrow evening

ISLAMABAD: With the number of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases rising over 10,912 and associated deaths to 106, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration on Monday decided to seal district government sectors G-6/1, G-6/2, G-7/2, and G-10/4.

Notifications to seal them were also issued late on Monday

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqaat said that they had given residents of these areas a 36-hour warning that their area will be sealed.

He explained that some 40 Covid-19 cases and 25 associated deaths had been reported from each of these areas in the past few days.

“Around 250 cases were reported from the areas to be put under lockdown in the next 36 hours,” the official said, adding that the areas are being sealed on the recommendations of the government, the health ministry and the district health office in line with the list of Covid-19 cases in these areas as confirmed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) - traced by surveillance teams.

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“To prevent the community spread of the Covid-19 virus in the area, the Sectors G-6/2, G-6/1. G-10/4 and G-7/2 Islamabad are hereby sealed, in exercise of powers under Epidemic Diseases Act, 1958,” the notice read, adding that the indefinite lockdown in these areas will come into effect from 7pm on Wednesday, June 24.

“The exemptions to this order include essential services and supplies like pharmacy and medicine shops, groceries stores and bakeries, patients for medical aid/medical consultation, rationing, drinking water supplies and emergency etc.”

The stores and people who have been exempted, Shafqaat said, shall be regulated by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government over time to prevent the virus from spreading.

Furthermore, he said that any unnecessary movement of locals in these areas will be barred. Only one person from each household will be allowed to step outside for shopping while a mobile shop service will be available for those who do not want to step out of their homes, the DC informed.

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“The Islamabad Police, Rangers and army are requested to cordon off these areas to ensure public safety and eliminate the further spread of the virus,” the notice further read, while the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) was instructed to ensure the provision of essential commodities and food supplies in the sealed areas.

Moreover, the commercial areas adjoining these sectors will also be strictly monitored. In case SOPs are defied, the area will be sealed by the area assistant commissioner or the sub-divisional magistrate

Shafqaat said that office employees will be allowed to go to work after clearing a screening test. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2020.