Shopping malls, restaurants close for week in federal capital amid corona virus outbreak

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Shopping malls Capital Territory (ICT) administration on Sunday notified new measures in an effort to contain the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the capital city, media reported.

According to details, the civic administration ordered the closure of all shopping malls and restaurants in Islamabad for a week.

The notification said grocery stores will shut at 8 pm instead of 10 pm in the capital city.

In a televised address to the nation earlier today, Prime Minister Imran Khan said a lockdown is not being considered as 25% population of Pakistan lives below the poverty line who cannot survive if a 14-day closure of the country occurs.

Detailing the lockdown, curfew situation, the premier said that the situation requires armed forces and other security personnel patrolling streets, roadways and alleyways and forceful isolation of the masses which he does not want.

The premier said that people should self-isolate and self-quarantine, act responsibly rather than taking the coronavirus seriously.