SWABI: A complete shutdown was enforced in some areas of the province after the residents tested positive for novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

The administration and police of Mardan district said Kotha, Marghuz and Yousafi villages were placed under lockdown after the detection of coronavirus cases.

They said family members of all confirmed coronavirus cases were restricted to their homes, while samples were collected from them before being sent to the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, for testing.

District police officer Imran Shahid told Dawn that all entry and exit routes of those villages were strictly monitored by the police, while the residents were told stay indoors until further orders.

Police, army personnel patrol streets

“No one is allowed to go to the areas with confirmed coronavirus cases, while the villagers have been barred from coming out of their houses. We are taking all these measures to protect the people from the virus,” he said.

A complete lockdown was also placed in Charsadda by the district administration, while pillion riding was banned to stem the spread of coronavirus.

With the police and army personnel patrolling the streets and asking people to stay indoors, all local markets and shops wore a deserted look.

The administration also banned the gathering of more than two people at a place, while only two people were be allowed to travel in private vehicles.

A shutdown was also enforced in Maraano village of Upper Dir district after the surfacing of coronavirus cases.

The officials said all villagers had been screened for the virus, while samples were collected from family members of the cases for testing.

The administration asked the residents of the village to stay indoors and inform the health department in case of fever, cough, sneezing and chest infections.

Also, the administration of Dera Ismail Khan also announced a complete lockdown after a suspected coronavirus patient died in Sednagar area.

The officials said the man, who recently returned from Dubai, was shifted to the hospital with coronavirus symptoms, but he breathed his last.

They said the residents of Sednagar and Tekan villages were asked to place themselves in self-quarantine at home, while their outdoor movement had been restricted.

Deputy commissioner Mohammad Umair said the deceased was suspected to be a carrier of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, assistant commissioner of Darra Adamkhel tribal subdivision in Kohat district Shayan Ali sealed a seminary in Akhorwal.

The administration made announcements on loudspeakers in the adjacent villages of Dalilkhel, Atariwal, Ladikhel and Kamilkhel asking people not to step out, and offer prayers at home.

A complete shutdown was also reported in other parts of the province with the administration asking the residents to restrict their movement to prevent the virus.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2020