Corona is spreading rapidly in Punjab, KP and Islamabad: Dr Faisal

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan has said that the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Islamabad.

Briefing the journalists on Saturday, the special assistant advised that the people have to be very careful, otherwise the situation will get out of hand. "The administrative action is being seen less after imposition of restrictions. The authorities should not ignore the instructions," he added.

Dr Faisal said that the COVID positivity ratio has doubled from four point fifty per cent to nine point fifty per cent in the last few days. He also said this is an alarming situation which is increasing burden on our healthcare system.

The special assistant said the pressure is especially being seen on the health infrastructure in major cities of Punjab, Islamabad and Peshawar. He said it is our collective responsibility to fully comply with the SOPs to cope with the challenge.

He advised the people to wear masks and ensure social distancing and the wedding events should also be organized in open air with the minimum possible guests.  

Regarding vaccination, the special assistant said the process is continuing and people aged over seventy years can get vaccination shots without any appointment.

Dr Faisal Sultan said two consignments of vaccine purchased by Pakistan will also arrive in the country by the end of this month.

Amid the rising positivity ratio of COVID-19, the Islamabad administration have imposed new restrictions on the public in a bid to stem the spread of the virus.

According to a notification by the city's district magistrate, "Outdoor dining in restaurants will be closed at 10pm in the Federal Capital during the weekdays."

The markets, restaurants will remain shut completely on weekdays (Saturday and Sunday), the administration notified further adding that the grocery and medical stores will, however, remain open during the restricted period.

The hotels and restaurants will be allowed to offer takeaway services as business activities and restaurant services have been restricted owing to the rising COVID positivity ratio.

"However, takeaway activity of restaurants does not fall under this restriction and will continue subject to observation of COViD-19 SOP," read the notification.