ISLAMABAD: All commercial activities, except essential services, will remain closed in the capital on Saturday and Sunday in the wake of the gradual increase in Covid-19 spread.

The ban on the commercial activities includes outdoor dining in restaurants and hotels.

A notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat said that in compliance with the direction of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), it is clarified that outdoor dining in restaurants will be closed at 10pm during weekdays and weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Both indoor and outdoor dining will remain closed along with all other commercial activities other than essential services.

However, takeaway activity of restaurants does not fall under this restriction and will continue subject to the observation of standard operating procedures (CSOPs).

Meanwhile, District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Zaeem Zia in a notification stated that all adult vaccination centres in the capital will remain closed on Sundays and on public holidays.

The notification said Covid-19 vaccination shall not be held on Sundays and national holidays in any vaccination centre with effect from March 18, even in hospitals/health facilities that are otherwise functional on Sundays and national holidays.

The DHO also issued an advisory which stated: “We are concerned about the current spike of Covid-19.”

The advisory will help cut down on the disease burden, he added.

According to the advisory, Covid-19 is spreading rapidly in Islamabad and the citizens can stay safe by taking some simple precautions such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning hands and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue.

If someone is sick in the family, isolate the sick person, reduce contact with the virus, take care of the sick person and call the DHO office if the patient observes difficulty breathing, feels confusion or in case of loss of speech or mobility and chest pain.

Besides, get your elders vaccinated and make sure they wear gloves and a mask when they go to the vaccination centre.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2021