46 schools, colleges shut in twin cities

Over 40 eateries penalised for defying SOPs

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI:

At least 46 educational institutions have been sealed in Rawalpindi and Islamabad after emergence of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases.

At least 38 educational institutions have been sealed in Rawalpindi and eight in Islamabad to prevent further spread of Covid-19 among students, faculty and staff. Rawalpindi Commissioner Muhammad Mahmood has said that special attention is being paid to combat the spread of coronavirus in educational institutions.

Among other measures, the city administration has conducted more than 17,000 tests in educational institutions since September 15. As per the commissioner, Rawal Town and Potohar Town have the highest prevalence of the virus. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq on Friday said that all the shopping malls, markets, restaurants, private and government offices will remain close in areas where lockdown has been imposed.

Grocery stores, general stores and fruit and vegetable shops, dairy shops, bakeries and meat shops, filling stations, and naan shops will remain open from 9am to 7pm in line with coronavirus SOPs while all the medical facilities including labs and pharmacies will remain open around the clock in the areas.

Cantt Assistant Commissioner Nausheen Israr and her team imposed fines worth Rs87,000 on 14 restaurants of Saddar for defying SOPs. Meanwhile, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat has directed a massive crackdown against breach of SOPs in public places. Assistant commissioners of all ICT circles sealed 42 restaurants, coffee shops and other places in Sector F-11, Bhara Kahu, Industrial Area and Beverley Centre and other areas. Meanwhile, the district administration ordered to de-seal five sectors on Friday including sectors I-8/3, I-8, G-9/1, G-9/4 and G-6/2 after 14 days. However, residents of these areas have been told to keep observing virus SOPs.

Educational institution at risk

The Islamabad District Health Office has recommended to close eight educational institutions. District Health Officer Dr Zaeem Zia directed the district administration to initiate disinfection activities in these educational institutions, test staff and quarantine those who came in contact with infected individuals for 14 days. The institutes closed include the primary section of Bahria Naval Anchorage, Dar-e-Arqam School in Sector G-15, City School in Sector E-11, Islamabad Model College for Boys (IMCB) and Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG) in Sector F-8/3, IMCG in Sector E-9, IMCG Humak and Westminister Academy. On the other hand, DHO has recommended reopening of ISGE F-6/2, IMCB Sector G-7/4, IMCG Golra, Islamabad Model School (IMS) Sector F-6/3, IMS Sector G-7/4 and Rehabilitation Centre H-8.