-Smart lockdown imposed in seven G & I sectors
-Training course at Sihala postponed as 11 officers contract Cornaviurs
By Minahi Makhdoom
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad recorded 16.20 percent Covid-19 positivity ratio during the previous 24 hours, its highest ever since the pandemic began, with 856 new infections.
According to the District Health Officer (DHO), 856 new cases of the coronavirus were reported, taking the total number of infections in the federal capital to 56,450 whereas two people succumbed to the disease overnight.
The death toll from the infection has reached 561 with the addition of the latest fatalities, Dr Zaeem Zia said. He said 64 percent of the total ventilators earmarked for critical Covid-19 patients are in use.
Earlier, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said the coronavirus claimed 41 more lives in Pakistan during the past 24 hours, taking the overall death toll to 14,256.
4,525 fresh infections were reported during this period, while the positivity rate was recorded at 11.2 percent. A total of 40,369 samples were tested, out of which 4,525 turned out to positive.
Smart lockdown was imposed in seven sub-sectors of Islamabad’s Sector G and Sector I on Monday while six areas of the federal capital including Bani Gala have been put under complete lockdown. The administration has enforced micro lockdown in G-10/2, G-10/3, G-9/2, G-11/3, G-11/1 and I-8/3, and complete lockdown in Bani Gala, Loi Bhir, PWD, DHA Phase-II and Soan Garden on recommendation of DHO.
Shops, shopping malls, restaurants and offices will remain closed in the affected areas till April 9th. According to the notification issued by the Islamabad administration, marriage and all other ceremonies will remain banned from April 1st.
Gatherings on Shab-e-Barat have not been permitted while it has been ordered to observe standard operating procedures (SOPs) during funeral ceremonies. Cases will be lodged against principals for opening schools. The deputy commissioner said the positivity ratio reached 12 percent in the city for the first time.
The Rawalpindi administration filed 43 cases and arrested 60 individuals over violation of SOPs in markets. Thirteen persons were arrested in Islamabad’s Aabpara Market and while six shops were sealed. SSP Operations Mustafa Tanveer said Private Schools Association will not be allowed to hold long march. Number of passengers in inter-provincial transport is being inspected, he added.
Meanwhile, Junior Command Course underway at Sihala Police Academy was postponed on Monday after 11 officers undergoing training at the academy tested positive for the coronavirus. The course was underway at the academy for the promotion of officers of DSP rank to the SP rank. According to reports, the officers who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus have quarantined themselves at their homes.
