ISLAMABAD: The tally of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the capital reached 205 after six more people tested positive on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat told Dawn that the new cases were reported from Shah Allah Ditta, Alipur, Tarlai, I-10 and G-8.

As per the standard operating procedure (SOP), houses of the patients were sealed and they were quarantined there. Besides, their family members were also asked for self-isolation, he added.

Moreover, those who had come into contact with the patients during the last two weeks were being traced to avoid further spread of the virus.

The spread of the virus continued in Tarlai, the DC said, adding the area had 28 positive cases, the highest among 61 localities of the capital.

For the last a couple of days, the spread of the virus among residents of Bhara Kahu has stopped as no new positive case was reported from there since April 19.

Meanwhile, eight cases have been reported from Shah Allah Ditta so far, including two on Thursday.

The two positive cases were confirmed among 40 people whose samples had been sent for test on Wednesday, said the DC. Results of 30 people have been received and 28 tested negative while results of others were awaited.

Samples of other residents of the area are also being taken for test as there are over 100 suspects, Mr Shafqaat added. The area has a population of 70,000 to 80,000.

The DC said capacity to distribute cooked meals among people affected by the lockdown with assistance of Saylani Wealfare International Trust reached 6,050 people per day.

The cooked meals are being provided to people at F-10 Marakz, G-9/4, F-6 Water Plant, G-10 Water Plant, Taramari, Mandi Mor, Tarnol, Bhara Kaahu, Merabadi, Frash Town and Alipur.

Besides, ration bags, including essential accommodates, were also distributed among 55 families, he added.

A team from the district administration visited Shah Allah Ditta to check the lockdown situation there.

Three trucks of utility stores were also taken there to deliver food items to the residents, Mr Shafqaat added.

Besides, soaps and masks were distrusted among the residents free of cost.

Moreover, teams, including healthcare workers, visited 186 spots in the capital during the last 24 hours to trace people who had met confirmed coronavirus patients and samples were taken from them for detection of the virus.

Rapid response teams have also been constituted to attend and shift confirmed patients to hospitals.

The administration also arranged 105 ambulances from different hospitals to meet any emergency situation.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2020