ISLAMABAD: The interior ministry announced the closure of some major public dealing offices and businesses for 15 days starting Friday as part of the measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and passport offices will remain closed for public dealing initially for a period of 15 days as a precautionary and preventive measures against the spread of the disease.
The ministry directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps to extend the validity period of computerized national identity cards for locals as well as overseas Pakistanis and passports that might be expiring during the closure period.
Moreover, the excise and taxation office, property dealing office, beauty parlors, saloons would also remain close for the same period, it said.
The ministry also directed the restaurants and shopping malls to close latest by 2200 hours.
However, the restaurants and food outlets would be allowed to continue their delivery and takeaway services beyond the said time.
As part of the social distancing measures, the ministry approved a mechanism for the public employees for the same period asking all the ministries and divisions to identify their staff for important task and ensuring their presence in office.
The employees over 50 years of age might be allowed work from home as well as those with illness or facing health challenges.
As daycare centers in public offices had also been closed, so the female staff keeping their children in daycare centers had also been allowed to work from their homes, the ministry said.
