1,131 test positive after 7,360 tests conducted in 24 hours
Zubair Qureshi
The federal capital is in the grip of the 5th wave of Covid-19 as the city sees the highest number of cases in one day since the virus outbreak—1,136 tested positive after 7,360 tests conducted in one day.
According to the National Command & Operation Centre (NCOC) the Covid-19 cases are rising on an alarming scale and tougher restrictions have been imposed in cities with more than 10 per cent positivity rate in view of this rise in Covid-19 cases.
In Islamabad, the positivity rate was recorded at 15.37 per cent and the District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Zaeem Zaidi on Thursday announced it was the highest number during the pandemic, among all the waves in a single day.
A day earlier Islamabad’s positivity rate jumped to 11.8 per cent from 8.86pc the previous day and on Thursday it was 15.37 per cent.
So far 24 schools and colleges in Islamabad have been sealed (five reopened later) in the current 5th wave of Covid-19.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat issued Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs), a set of safety measures other than medicines for protection against Covid-19.
According to the notification, all types of educational institutions for under-12 children would remain open with 50pc attendance (staggered days) while classes for those over 12 years would continue with 100pc attendance for fully vaccinated students under strict protocols. Vaccination for students above 12 years is mandatory (at least one dose), the notification said.
The notification was issued in compliance with the decision of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) under the Epidemic Diseases Control Act 1958.
All markets in Islamabad will remain open whereas public and private offices and establishments throughout Islamabad shall operate with 100pc attendance but all employees must be fully vaccinated, the notification stated, adding that there would be complete ban on indoor gatherings in Islamabad with effect from Jan 24 while outdoor gatherings with a maximum of 300 people would be allowed. These NPIs will remain effective till Feb 15, it added.
A complete ban has been imposed on indoor dining while outdoor dining has been allowed for vaccinated individuals. Takeaway services will remain operational. All gyms, indoor courts (tennis, badminton, squash, etc.,) will operate at 50pc capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and members. Owners of gyms and indoor courts shall be responsible for vaccinating their staff and management.
Moreover, there will be complete ban on contact sports (karate, boxing, martial arts, rugby, water polo, kabaddi and wrestling) in the capital, the notification stated, adding that cinemas, amusement parks, shrines would be allowed to operate at 50pc capacity in Islamabad for fully vaccinated individuals.
