Covid-19 cases jump in capital although they are still below 100
Zubair Qureshi
Islamabad saw a little increase in single day tally of cases in the last twenty-four hours though still they are below 100.
According to the data shared by the National Command & Operation Centre (NCOC), the federal capital’s total number of single-day cases jumped to 79,123 with 96 cases reported in the last twenty-four hours while the death toll stood at 731, four mortalities in the last twenty-four hours.
The number of recoveries in the federal capital stood at 69,557 while the positivity rate was still below 5 per cent.
This was made possible through coordinated efforts of all the stakeholders including the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, police and above all health teams of the District Health teams.
Health experts have predicted a further drop in cases of Covid-19 with the opening of vaccination for 30-year-old and above persons in Islamabad as well as the entire country.
All those falling in 30-39 years of age group are requested to get registered with the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA) by sending their computerized national identity card (CNIC) number to 1166 and in return they will receive a message with complete information when and where to get vaccinated.
According to the health department some 5,000 persons are expected to get registered on the first day (Sunday) for vaccination in Islamabad. However, the figure can exceed by 12 midnight, said an official of the health department.
All the vaccination centres of the federal capital were back to work from Saturday after two Eid holidays on Thursday and Friday and administered jabs to the visitors.
These vaccination centres will be working on the pre-Ramazan-ul-Mubarak schedule i.e. from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. without any break and six days a week observing off day only on Friday, said District Health Officer (DHO) of Islamabad Dr Zaeem Zia on Sunday.
He said from Monday (today) the real test will begin both for the public and the health teams as people will be coming back to routine after almost ten days of lockdown.
Offices are resuming with 50 per cent attendance and shops and businesses will be allowed to operate till 8 p.m. under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and now it is up to them (people) how they follow the SOPs, said the DHO.
Health officials and teams of the DHO will also be facing a sudden increase in the number of visitors for vaccination as people are returning to Islamabad from their hometown after celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with their families there.
Unless we follow SOPs that include wearing a facemask, keeping a social distance and washing hands frequently and regularly, we cannot expect to make a big victory against coronavirus, said Dr Zaeem.
Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat also in a tweet urged the people aged 30 and above to get them registered for vaccination.
Above 40 can walk in any vaccination center and get vaccinated, said Hamza Shafqaat in his tweet.