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

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

ALTHOUGH dealing with the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan is a major political, security and strategic...
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...