Normalcy largely restored in twin cities
Customers dine at outdoor restaurants at Kohsar Market in Islamabad, Pakistan, June 18, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
After new novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases fell to their lowest levels since the pandemic began five months ago and the government announced to relax curbs, life in the twin cities was largely restored on Monday.
Parks, gymnasiums, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, beauty parlours and hair salons, clubs, snooker clubs have all reopened in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Business and commercial activities have also been largely restored.
In a notification on Monday, the Punjab government stated per decisions made in a meeting of the National Coordination Committee, the provincial government allowed all sectors to operate per specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines, except for marriage halls, marquees and educational institutions.
It added that "religious congregations shall be allowed after approval from concerned administration and subject to the adoption of SOPs and guidelines."
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Subsequently, all 75 shrines across the district have reopened. As their gates flew open, droves of devotees streamed in.
Wedding halls, marquees and schools will only open on September 15.
Moreover, the outpatient departments (OPDs) of all major hospitals of Rawalpindi, including Benazir Bhutto General Hospital (BBH), Holy Family Hospital (HFH), the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) have been restored.
Further, wards at these hospitals have been opened for patients for diseases other than Covid-19. Operations have also resumed at the operation theatres.
"Timings and weekly holidays are hereby reverted to pre-Covid-19 practice subject to the adoption of SOPs and guidelines," the notice said, while public transport has also been allowed to resume.
The Covid-19 emergency has also ended and doctors have been allowed to take off the personal protective equipment (PPE) suits even though the Department of Primary and Secondary Healthcare warned that Covid-19 is far from over, hence SOPs such as wearing face masks, gloves, sanitisers and maintaining social distance must continue in all public places.
In the capital, where malls and business establishments were allowed to reopen with SOPs, a rush of residents was also seen at these establishments.
On August 6, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar had announced that the government has decided to reopen dine-in restaurants, cafes, cinemas, parks and gyms from August 10 after a nearly five-month closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Islamabad reported just 20 new Covid-19 cases on Monday while Rawalpindi reported only three new cases.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 11th, 2020.