ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Saturday lifted restrictions on manufacturers of soap and washing product to meet their growing demand as they are part of precautionary measures against Covid-19, said a notification issued on Saturday.

Another notification also announced lifting of restrictions on the pet shops and animals’ food shops.

First notification issued by Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat said; “I hereby notify that industries/manufactures/factories are allowed to work and continue their production of soap/anti-bacterial soap and washing product to meet increased demand of this health related product, keeping in view these product are essential/mandatory to stop the outbreak of novel coronavirus.”

Furthermore, all the industries, manufacturers and factories would strictly abide by the SOP issued on March 24, it stated, adding that they will ensure that measures required for maintaining social distancing by the employees are strictly adhered to.

The officials of the administration said that the notification was issued after the distributors informed the administration about shortage of the products as not only residents are buying them in large quantity but their production has also been stopped due to closure of factories.

Another notification issue by the DC said: “I hereby notify that pets’ shops (including their food facilities) shall remain open with maximum one helper.”

Furthermore, these shops would strictly abide by SOP issue on March 24 and would take all precautionary measures against Covid-19.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2020