ISLAMABAD: The capital administration has taken a series of measures to enforce standard operating procedures (SOP) in cattle markets, after the National Command and Operations Centre on Covid-19 warned that the cattle markets could become a hub for the coronavirus.

The administration tested 70 cattle vendors at the market in Taramri Chowk recently, of whom 68 have tested negative for Covid-19 and the results of two are awaited.

However, people have been observed taking off their masks, which are now mandatory in public areas, as they enter the market. The administration has decided to take action against violators of SOPs in an effort to limit the chances of a surge in Covid-19 cases in the city after the positivity rate has dropped to 1-2pc.

Koral Assistant Commissioner Asadullah told Dawn that the administration is ensuring that SOPs are followed at all cattle markets.

“We are ensuring that people use sanitiser and that every person wears a mask, which the government has declared mandatory. A number of people say they have forgotten to bring a mask, so we have set up stalls where people are asked to buy masks for Rs20 each and then enter the market,” he said.

68 of 70 cattle vendors at Taramri Chowk cattle market tested negative for Covid-19 and results of two are awaited, says official

People have also been seen removing their masks as they enter cattle markets, for which a dedicated team has been formed to stop them from doing so.

“Two police officials have been deputed at each entrance of the markets to ensure people follow instructions. We have also decided to register cases for the violation of Section 144 against those who have been selling sacrificial animals outside of the capital’s designated areas,” he said.

Children and elderly people are banned from visiting cattle markets, which open between 7am and 7pm, he said.

Mr Asadullah appealed to the citizens to follow the SOPs and to cattle vendors with symptoms of Covid-19 to get tested for free at the medical centres established in the markets.

The focal person for Covid-19 in Islamabad, Dr Zaeem Zia, said 70 random samples were taken from cattle vendors at the Taramri Chowk market on July 22. Of these, 68 were negative and the results of two are awaited.

“This shows that there are fewer chances that the virus has travelled to Islamabad from other areas. However, we have been screening people at cattle markets and every suspected patient will be tested for Covid-19,” he said.

Dr Zia said Islamabad’s positivity rate has been between 1pc and 2pc, compared to around 10pc across the country.

He suggested that this meant “we have controlled the virus in the city”, but added: “However, Eidul Azha is a major challenge for us and we want to ensure that the virus does not spread again.”

Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat told Dawn a number of steps have been taken to ensure that the coronavirus does not spread through cattle markets.

“Concerned assistant commissioners have been directed to keep visiting the cattle markets and ensure that people wear masks, sanitise their hands and follow the SOPs,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2020