Another eight establishments sealed in capital

RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD:

After novel coronavirus cases were detected, the Islamabad District Health Authority (DHA) on Tuesday recommended sealing the offices of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) along with seven educational institutions in the federal capital.

The suggestion was made after random samples taken for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) from these institutions tested positive for the pandemic virus.

In this regard, the Islamabad District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Zaeem Zia on Tuesday sent separate letters for closing each of these establishments to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration.

The educational institutions which have been recommended to close as a precaution include the Post Graduate College in Sector H-9, the Islamabad Model School in Sector G-7/3, Islamabad Model College For Girls in Malpur, Islamabad Model College For Girls in Sector G-8/4, Islamabad Model School For Girls in Sector F-7/2 and Sector F-6/2, and the Islamabad Model College for Girls in Sector F-8/1.

The ICT administration has also been asked to start disinfecting these institutions and ensure that all staff and students at these establishments are tested for the virus.

Meanwhile, another 226 cases of Covid-19 have emerged in the federal capital over the past 24 hours with three associated deaths. This takes the total infections to 24,444 cases and 260 fatalities. However, as many as 20,498 people have made a complete recovery from the virus so far.

Pindi quarantine centres fill up

With the garrison city confirming another 111 Covid-19, around 136 patients were also admitted to various quarantine facilities of the district. Moreover, the Punjab health authorities said that two new Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in Attock, three in Chakwal, and seven in Jehlum.

The Rawalpindi District Health Authority (DHA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Sohail Chaudary said that at the moment, 136 Covid-19 positive patients are receiving treatment at various hospitals of the district, including 37 patients at the Holy family Hospital (HFH), 19 at the Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH), 25 at the Red Crescent centre and two at the Hearts International hospital.

Of these, he said, 28 belong to Potohar Town, 41 to Rawalpindi Cantonment, 25 Rawal Town, 33 to Gujar Khan, seven from Taxila, two from Kallar Syedan and one from Kahuta.

Apart from catering to patients at health facilities, the DHA chief said that their teams are also involved in disinfection activities across the district, especially at places where suspected cases were reported from.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Capt (retired) Anwarul Haq told the media that they have mobilised all available resources to control the spread of the pandemic virus.

He added that their teams are ensuring that standard operating procedures (SOPs) on Covid-19 are ensured at business centres and other public places while action is also being taken against those who defy the guidelines.

He advised residents to wear face masks, maintain social distance, and stay at home while following the health advisories issued by the government.

Infected cops get cheques

As many as 84 policemen, of the 159 officers in Rawalpindi who had been infected with Covid-19 while on duty, were handed cheques on Tuesday. Each official has been paid an additional Rs25,000.

The officials who were handed cheques on Tuesday include an SP, two ASPs, six inspectors, 14 sub-inspectors, 13 ASIs, 14 head constables, and 34 constables. Handing the cheques, Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Ahsan Younus said that the welfare of police officers was their priority. He assured that all problems faced by officers will be resolved on a priority basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2020.