CHITRAL: The authorities have restricted the entry of public transport to Chitral region through Lowari tunnel and Shandur Pass for one month to check the spread of coronavirus.

The borders of Arandu, Arsoon and Shah Sadim areas were also closed.

Deputy commissioner of Lower Chitral Naveed Ahmad told Dawn that 60 vehicles carrying 241 passengers were sent back from Lowari tunnel, while 180 people travelling in 22 vehicles were denied entry to the district through the tunnel on Wednesday.

He said all passenger vehicles were barred from entering Chitral for one month and only vehicles loaded with food items and medicines would be allowed to enter the region.

The deputy commissioner said six local residents had been quarantined for 14 days in Ashrait, the district’s first village after the tunnel ended.

He said all possible efforts were being taken to discourage the people from leaving homes and gathering in bazaars and other places of community gathering to check the spread of the deadly virus.

Mr Ahmad said public transport service had been suspended inside the district for a month to restrict the movement of the people.

Meanwhile, deputy commissioner of Upper Chitral district Shah Saud told Dawn that anti-coronavirus measures taken in Lower Chitral district were being replicated in Upper Chitral, where Shandur Pass was being sealed for the entry of passengers from Gilgit-Baltistan, who crossed it on feet for five hours.

Meanwhile, the Nauroze festival celebrations were cancelled in the Isamili-dominated valley of Lot Koh in Lower Chitral and Biyar in Upper Chitral over fears of coronavirus.

The festival is marked on March 21 every year.

President of Ismaili Regional Council Dr Riaz Hussain told Dawn that the celebrations led to large gatherings, so there was a high likelihood of the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, Chitral city wore a deserted look on Friday as most markets remained closed and thin attendance was reported in government and private offices. Also, few vehicles were seen on the roads.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2020