Islamabad reports more than 700 Covid-19 cases in a single day

ISLAMABAD-More than 700 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were reported in the city in last 24 hours and virus spread ratio touched 8.5 per cent on Friday.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqaat said that we had 747 positive cases in Islamabad. It is the highest number of covid positive cases in a single day in Islamabad ever.

He further said that Islamabad administration has started a crackdown on SOP violations.

The District Health Officer (DHO) Zaeem Zia said that positivity ratio of COVID-19 cases remained 8.5 per cent. He said that highest number of cases in first wave was 771 in second wave, it was 571.

He urged public to get elders vaccinated and make sure they wear gloves and mask when they go to the vaccination centre.

He also said that we are concerned about the current spike of COVID-19, and to keep everyone safe, advisory will help to cut down on the disease burden. 

Public advisory issued by the DHO said that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Islamabad, stay safe by taking simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue.

It said that open air spaces are safer than enclosed spaces, shorter time period with others is safer. Farther away from others safer than close together.

The advisory also said to reduce contact with the virus and take care of the sick person.

The advisory asked citizens to always check on local regulations. Bring sanitizer and wear your mask. If you are in a high-risk group, wear a medical mask. When inside store, keep your shopping time short and make a list. Keep at least 1 meter distance from others.

It also said that outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor ones, particularly if indoor spaces are small and without outdoor air coming in.

It further stated to regularly and thoroughly clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. This eliminates germs including viruses that may be on your hands.

It said to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the viruses to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.

Meanwhile the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration in a notification issued restricted the outdoor dining activities on weekends as well.

The notification issued said that in exercise of powers under Epidemic Diseases Control Act 1958, and in compliance of the directions of the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC), it is further clarified that outdoor dining in restaurants will be closed at 10:00 pm in federal capital during the weekdays, and for the weekends (Saturday and Sunday) i.e. safe days both indoor and outdoor dining will remain closed along with other commercial activities other than essential services.

However, takeaway activity of restaurants does not fall under this restriction and will continue subject to observation of COVID-19 SOPs.

Article source: https://nation.com.pk/20-Mar-2021/islamabad-reports-more-than-700-covid-19-cases-in-a-single-day