ISLAMABAD: The capital administration here on Thursday issued a four-point health advisory to the government officials in view of first coronavirus case reported at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, sources told Dawn.

Officers of the capital administration told Dawn that the advisory was issued to the officials with the instruction to follow it in letter and spirit.

They said the officials of administration and police were asked to take extra precautionary measures while taking thumb impression as it is one of the main components for verification and identification of CNICs, driving licences and sale and purchase documents of property.

The capital administration is closely watching the situation and if necessary it may impose a ban on taking thumb impression for the time being, they said, adding the officials had been advised against taking unnecessary thumb impression and only attend the request in emergency cases.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat when contacted confirmed the advisory was issued to all the government departments in the capital.

Over the issue of thumb impression, he said the officials were asked not to get the impression and if necessary take extra precautionary measures.

Replying to a question about shortage of respirators in the market, the DC said the masks vanished because the government and private hospitals had purchased them in bulk.

Besides, residents have also started purchased them, he added.

He, however, said huge quantity of masks had already been imported which would be available in the market within next two days.

The capital administration also distributing masks among the residents free of cost at different spot, including in front of medical stores in Blue Area.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2020