-Citizens asked to strictly follow SoPs in offices, markets
By Minahil Makhdoom
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad administration has decided to seal three sub-sectors in the city after at least 345 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in a day, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed on Sunday.
According to a notification, Islamabad’s three sub-sectors F-11/1, I-8/4 and I-10/2 were sealed by 12:00am last night to prevent the spread of the virus until further orders. Pharmacies, grocery stores, bakeries and testing labs will, however, remain opened.
The Islamabad police [and] Rangers are requested to cordon off the above mentioned areas in order to ensure public safety and eliminate further spread of the virus,†read the notification. “The concerned Assistant Commissioner ICT, Islamabad shall ensure provision of essential commodities and food supplies in the sealed areas.
Hamza Shafqaat, the Deputy Commissioner, said that all the public parks and commercial areas will remain closed in the sub-sectors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor functions are only allowed for two hours with less than 300 people, said Shafqaat, adding that the offices will not be allowed to call more than 50% of their employees to the workplaces.
He asked people to pray for him and also urged the masses to take the third wave of the pandemic seriously. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination on Sunday urged the citizens to strictly follow COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) in offices and markets to prevent the disease in the wake of a sudden increase in the number of infections in the country. “COVID-19 is a deadly virus but we can control it just as we controlled it by following the SoPs during the first wave. The government is seeking your full cooperation in adhering to the SoPs,†an official of the ministry said.
He said “We can save precious lives including those of our near and dear ones by taking preventive measures. Wear a mask, maintain social distance, wash hands with soap frequently and avoid crowded places.
The official said Do celebrate wedding events but please keep the gatherings limited and take all precautions by following the SoPs. We are a strong nation and can defeat COVID-19 but for that cooperation from every citizen is imperative, he added.
With over 605,200 confirmed cases in the country to date, the government is once again taking strict measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus infection in the country. Provincial governments are following suit with health departments and administrative services enforcing necessary preventing measures at public places and encouraging people to protect themselves and others from the virus by adhering to the SoPs, he added. He said that with the increase in the number of coronavirus infections, the number of patients in the hospitals has also increased. “This has happened because we did not continue to practice SoPs. We must wear a mask when going out as it reduces transmission of infection by 70 percent.
Joint Executive Director Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Dr. Minhaj Us Siraj said Proper handwashing with soap is very beneficial and so is social distancing. If we continue to practice all SoPs, I assure you that we will counter the second wave of COVID-19 just as successfully as we managed the first time. He said I request people to alter their social behavior in terms of following the SoPs strictly so that neither our health system is overburdened, nor is the economic development affected. We must also follow the instructions of the NCOC for avoiding mass gatherings. And within our families, we must adhere to the SoPs and take special care of the elderly and those showing symptoms.
He said Despite all difficulties, the first wave of COVID-19 was tackled by Pakistan in a very efficient manner. Responsible civic behavior of the general public made it possible and now that the second wave of COVID-19 has hit Pakistan and we need the people to follow the SoPs very diligently.
Dr Minhaj said “Please ensure that you wash your hands frequently, wear the mask properly when going out, do not go out unnecessarily, and maintaining social distance with others. We need to take all possible measures to curb and curtail this disease, Dr. Sharif Astori, a senior health expert said.
He said, We managed to control the situation well, however, just as the number of cases started to decrease, we became complacent in taking precautions against the virus.†He urged citizens to avoid public gatherings, wear a mask when they leave their house, including when shopping at the market and if praying at the Mosque, wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds, or with a sanitizer regularly, refrain from touching eyes, nose, mouth, and ears with unwashed hands, stay at least six feet away from other people and stay at home in case they develop COVID-19 symptoms
