Hospitals in capital asked to observe SOPs as Covid-19 cases rise

ISLAMABAD: The District Health Office on Thursday asked all hospitals to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure observance of precautionary measures in the wake of rising number of Covid-19 cases.

In a letter to state-run and private hospitals of Islamabad, District Health Officer Dr Zaeem Zia asked their managements to observe strict compliance of SOPs.

“It is intimated that recently it has been seen that there has been a rise in Covid-19 cases, especially in the number of symptomatic patients,” Dr Zia said.

Positivity ratio has increased from less than 1pc to more than 6pc, the official said, adding cases were expected to rise further considering the global trend of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Islamabad, 15 hospitals are providing medical assistance to Covid-19 patients, the officials of the capital administration said, adding a total number of 643 beds and 81 ventilators had been allocated for the purpose. At present, 232 beds and 27 ventilators were in use, they added.

The officials said during the last three days, over 220 cases were reported each day.

Besides, the number of single day cases has also been gradually increasing for the last 10 days, they said, adding the capital had a population of 2,001,579 out of which 46,579 (27,998 males and 18,581 females) had contracted the virus till March 10.

The infection rate is 230.59 per 10,000 population, the officials said.

Dr Zia said so far 15,799 vaccines had been issued to eight centres for people aged 60 years and above. Out of the total, 10,837 were given to healthcare staff and senior citizens while six had been wasted.

The centres are in Tarlai, Bhara Kahu, Sihala, CDA Hospital, Pims, Federal General Hospital, Poly Clinic, and Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat also issued a notification on Thursday, restricting activities to prevent further spread of the virus.

The notification issued by the deputy commissioner said 50pc work from home policy would be implemented in the capital with immediate effect and time limit of 10pm for all commercial activities had been reinforced with immediate effect except for essential services like pharmacies, groceries and bakeries.

All amusement parks in the capital will close at 6pm and the decision of allowing indoor weddings, indoor dining and opening of cinemas and shrines with effect from March 15 had been withdrawn.

However, outdoor dining and take away will continue as per previous practice with strict enforcement of Covid-19 SOPs.

Outdoor gatherings will be allowed in open space, limited to a maximum of 300 individuals with strict enforcement of SOPs, the notification said, adding that implementation of SOPs regarding social distancing, wearing of face masks, proper sanitation and disinfection would continue.

In case of any violation, strict action will be taken against the violators, the notification said, adding that these measures will remain in force till April 15.

The health ministry spokesman said the second phase of vaccination against coronavirus has started and people aged 60 and above were being vaccinated.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Health Dr Faisal Sultan paid a surprise visit to the vaccination centres in Pims, Polyclinic and CDA Hospital. He also reviewed vaccination arrangements for senior citizens at the centres.

A large number of people have shown interest in getting vaccinated and the number of centres and staff was being increased.

The government is ensuring practical measures to prevent coronavirus, said Dr Sultan.