Wearing face masks made mandatory in Islamabad

Islamabad: The government has declared wearing of masks mandatory at public places, markets and in public transport in federal capital to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In a tweet, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat said anyone who is seen without a face mask will be prosecuted under Section 144 and charged with Section 188 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

He said the civil administration will visit markets, mosques, bus stops, offices and streets to check whether or nor people follow the government-prescribed guidelines, wearing masks in particular.

A notification has also been issued in this regard. “Warning people against failure to wear masks when stepping out, the deputy commissioner said a judicial magistrate can levy a fine of up to Rs3,000 or send a violator to prison under Section 188 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC),” the DC Islamabad tweeted.

Meanwhile, talking to twitter, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza said on Sunday wearing masks is now mandatory at crowded public places and in public transport.

“Face masks are now mandatory to be worn by everybody while in crowded public places, mosques, bazaars, shopping malls, public transport ie road, rail and flights. We have reviewed our guidelines for wearing masks and have added a mandatory section,” he tweeted.

The decision was taken after Pakistan confirmed 88 more deaths from novel coronavirus in one day as the nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 1,483 and positive cases surged to 69,496.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 3,039 persons have been tested positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours.

Sindh remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic followed by Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Till now 27,360 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 25,056 in Punjab, 9,540 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 4,193 in Balochistan, 2,418 in Islamabad, 678 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 251 in Azad Kashmir.

Furthermore, 453 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in KP, 475 in Punjab, 465 in Sindh, 46 in Balochistan, 27 in Islamabad and 11 in GB.

Patients are under treatment at quarantine centers of 462 hospitals where 7,295 beds are available.

Pakistan has so far conducted 547,030 coronavirus tests and 14,972 in last 24 hours. 25,271 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas many are in critical condition.