Pakistan imposes partial lockdown amid third COVID wave, 5 Islamabad areas sealed

Five Islamabad sub-sectors sealed to curb coronavirus spread

Several parts of Pakistan are under a partial lockdown or smart lockdown as the third wave of the coronavirus has gripped Pakistan.

Maximum number of restrictions have been put in place in the capital city of Islamabad and Punjab province including mandatory mask wearing, restrictions on public life and work-from-home rule for 50 percent of the government employees.

Five Islamabad areas sealed

Islamabad city administration has decided to temporarily seal five sub-sectors F-11/1, I-8/4, I-10/2, G-10/4 and G-6/2 to prevent the spread of virus, after at least 345 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in a day. However, pharmacies, grocery stores, bakeries and testing labs in these areas will remain opened.

“Commercial areas and amusement parks will be completely shut in the capital on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. No indoor activity is allowed. Outdoor functions are only allowed for two hours with less than 300 people. Offices are not allowed to call more than 50% of their staff” Islamabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamza Shafqaat said in a tweet. He added that the city administration will immediately react to any violation of social distancing or mask wearing.

COVID-19 guidelines for Islamabad

• Mandatory mask wearing.
• Amusement parks shut.
• 50% employees to work from home.
• Indoor weddings and other ceremonies banned.
• Outdoor events allowed with 300 people for 2 hours only.

Earlier, DC Islamabad shared on Twitter that he and his parents have also tested positive for COVID-19 and asked everyone to be cautious.

Pakistan has reported a total of 607,453 cases, including 13,537 deaths. At least 2,253 and 23 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.