Capital’s malls, markets to stay open all week

Security beefed up in Murree after tourism reopens

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD:

The district administration in the federal capital on Friday allowed all shopping malls and markets to operate throughout the week as the government eased the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

Meanwhile, in anticipation of people thronging the popular hill station of Murree, additional contingents of police were placed there.

In a notification issued by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration district magistrate on Friday, two relaxations were announced.

The first relaxation related to shopping malls and markets in the city. The notice said that “all shopping malls and markets are hereby allowed to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The notice added that operations of the malls and markets, however, will be subject to adherence of Covid-19 preventive standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines.

Previously, markets and malls were only allowed to operate for five days a week from Monday to Friday but they were closed on the weekends to prevent too many people from crowing in confined spaces.

The notice also extended relaxations for all establishments and businesses related to the construction sector. These businesses were also allowed to operate 24 hours a day.

While the number of fresh Covid-19 cases in the federal capital reported a slight uptick on Friday with 41 new cases being confirmed. This took the overall total of the city to 15,182.

Moreover, at least three associated deaths were also reported, the highest single-day tally since June 28 when five people succumbed to it. So far, some 170 people have died from the pandemic virus in the federal capital.

Eid shopping: citizens throng markets

Moreover, overall testing is also down to 1,980 from a high of 3,631 on July 4.

Murree rush

With the reopening of tourist spots, the Rawalpindi police on Friday decided to deploy additional contingents in the popular hill station of Murree.

Rawalpindi CPO Ahsan Younas ordered staff to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 SOPs and to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in congested areas. These personnel have been directed to ensure security and smooth flow of traffic.

Younas further directed SSP Operation Tariq Wilayat and Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) and SP Saddar to remain alert especially on Independence Day. They were further told to personally oversee arrangements particularly usage of PPE such as face masks and gloves.

A spokesperson for the Rawalpindi traffic police said that the seven special pickets erected in Murree to prevent visitors from travelling to the hill station have been removed.

Moreover, the official said to support the six traffic wardens and 11 inspectors on duty in Murree, an additional 33 wardens and junior wardens have been specially posted in Murree and will work in three shifts.

Further, extra wardens will be made available for August 14.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2020.