TAXILA: As many as 2,100 people, especially pilgrims coming from Iran, were screened for Covid-19 in Attock district.

District focal person and in-charge control room Dr Asif Niazi told newsmen on Tuesday that so far 21 suspected patients came to Attock, Pindigheb and Hassanabdal hospitals and were kept in isolation wards and their swabs sent to National Institute of Health (NIH).

Dr Asif said the results of 18 patients were found negative and they all had been sent home after they completed two-week quarantine time.

A woman from Pindigheb tested positive for the disease while results of two suspected patients were still awaited.

He said the two suspected patients were in isolation wards of Hassanabdal and Pindigheb hospitals.

While replying to a question, he said the situation in Attock was under control and emphasised upon the people to stay at home and maintain social distancing.

Meanwhile, Hassanabdal local administration arrested four brick kiln owners on Tuesday for violating section 144 as well as lockdown announced by the provincial government to control the spread of Covid-19.

Assistant Commissioner Hassanabdal Adnan Anjum Raja, while briefing newsmen, said the owners identified as Rab Nawaz, Javaid Zaib, Niaz Ahmed and Syed Wali were running their brick kilns despite the lockdown.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2020