Islamabad administration unseals Bhara Kahu, Shahzad Town

Islamabad : The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration on Thursday allowed functioning of Out Patient Department (OPDs) in all the public and private hospitals in Islamabad while taking all the precautionary measures.

"Keeping in view difficulties being faced by the general public and parents in getting medical assistance, the closure of OPDs imposed in all the Islamabad hospitals is lifted with immediate effects," the District Magistrate Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat through a notification said.

The ICT administration, however, has directed the hospitals management to strictly abide by notified Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other instructions regarding compulsory precautions, restrictions and directions for social distancing.

The hospitals management has also been asked to ensure guidelines regarding, disinfection, sanitisation and hygiene.

The Islamabad administration in view of spread of COVID-19 imposed Section 144 in Islamabad, which also entailed closure of OPDs.

The decision to open OPDs in hospitals has been taken to pursuance of directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Meanwhile the Islamabad administration with consultation of the District Health Office has decided to de-seal Bhara Kahu and Shahzad Town with certain conditions.

Two mosques Bilal Masjid and Makki Masjid and surrounding areas in Kot Hathial, Bhara Kahu will continue to be locked down. Similarly street 6 in Shahzad Town will also remain sealed.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration ordered to seal street C-2, Lane C of Irfanabad area near Taramari Chowk on Saturday evening requesting Pakistan Army to cordon off the vicinity.

The orders were issued after COVID-19 positive cases were found in some individuals.