Zubair Qureshi
The federal capital’s district administration has allowed outdoor dining at various eateries across the city after 10pm, saying the decision has been taken in the light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The district administration however, kept the ban on indoor dining intact out of fear that removing it could spread Covid-19.
According to a notification by the Islamabad district administration the 10pm ban on indoor dining “will remain in place”, while the pre-existing timetable for shopping malls and business centres, that has been in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, will continue to be implemented as well.
“Restrictions on closing recreational areas by 6pm will also remain in place,” it added, noting that the steps were taken in the light of the National Command and Operations Centre’s (NCOC) decisions.
“The coronavirus-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) will continue to be strictly enforced,” the Islamabad district administration stressed. Islamabad in the meanwhile reported on Friday four deaths and 100 new cases of Covid-19 during the last twenty-four hours.
According to the National health ministry’s portal, the capital city’s death toll has surged to 476 with four latest fatalities while the numbers of cases after 100 cases in the last one day have surged to 41,176, an alarming number.
Keeping virus under control is becoming a huge challenge for the local authorities as Islamabad’s schools and colleges and universities are opening from Monday (tomorrow) and the federal directorate of education (FDE) has given special instructions to the teachers to take precautionary measures.
Principals and school heads have been directed to ensure safe distance, alternate classes, sanitizers and masks for the students, said an official of the FDE while talking to Pakistan Observer.
