ISLAMABAD: Teams from the district administration and the National Institute of Health (NIH) visited the Taramri Chowk cattle market on Wednesday and collected samples from 70 cattle vendors to test them for Covid-19.

They also observed that most people at the market did not appear to be following public health guidelines, and were not even wearing masks.

“We will get the test results by Thursday evening, and in light of those tests we will decide on the fate of the cattle markets. We have controlled the virus in the federal capital after a rigorous effort, and we cannot afford its reemergence in the city,” Islamabad’s focal person on Covid-19 Dr Zaeem Zia told Dawn.

He said people at the cattle market were seen without masks, and were touching their nose and eyes while counting currency instead of being careful. Many people habitually touch their mouths before counting currency notes.

District admin, NIH teams collect samples of 70 cattle vendors for Covid-19 test

“Hand sanitiser was not being used in the cattle market. We collected 70 random samples and sent them to the lab for Covid-19 tests. Since cases have decreased in the caputal, people have started to take the situation lightly and violations of SOPs have been observed at ATMs, in markets and in other areas, due to which it is feared that [Covid-19] cases could rise,” he said.

There are four legal cattle markets set up in the suburbs of Islamabad, but a number of illegal ones have also been established including one in E-11 and along I.J. Principal Road.

When asked, Dr Zia said that the positive rate of tests had dropped to 2pc in Islamabad, compared to around 10pc across the country.

He appealed to Islamabad residents to observe Eid in the city instead of travelling to their hometowns, as they could return to the capital as carriers of the coronavirus.

Last month, the number of new Covid-19 cases reported in a day surpassed 700, but just 28 new cases were reported in the city a few days ago.

An NIH official who asked not to be named confirmed that samples were collected to determine whether any cattle vendors had contracted the disease.

“We also [disinfected] the market and checked animals for ticks, as there is also concern about Congo fever. That is why we have also established a veterinary clinic there,” he said.

Congo fever is a viral disease mainly transferred to humans from domestic animals. Symptoms include fever, bloody urine and nosebleeds.

Microbiologist Dr Javed Usman told Dawn that people should not be afraid of animals, as the possibility of human to human transmission of the coronavirus is greater than animals to humans.

“People should wash their hands and wear masks before going to the markets. They should avoid standing in a crowded area, which is their habit as they try to observe how other people have been negotiating and buying sacrificial animals. People should keep sanitiser in their pockets, and avoid touching the animals as the virus can stay on animals’ bodies. If it is necessary to touch an animal, wash hands afterwards. Try to bargain with a seller who is standing in a separate area without a crowd,” he said.

Dr Usman said no cases of Congo fever have been reported in the country so far this year.

“Usually, the initial cases are reported from Balochistan and Karachi, and from other areas of the country later on. I believe the increased temperature has played a role in containing the virus, as the Congo virus is less active in warmer environments,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2020