Shakeel 
ISLAMABAD: After almost 2,600 patients of Covid-19 got reported in one day, the national positivity ratio rose to 6.2 per cent as active cases jumped from 16,000 to 21,000 the last two weeks.
The latest politician to contract the virus is Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan.
Moreover, the new UK variant strain is prevalent in Islamabad, five residential sectors of Islamabad — G-6/2, F-11/1, I-8/4 G-10/4, and I-10/2 — have been sealed.
As per the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, outdoor functions will only be allowed for two hours and less than 300 people will be allowed.
To avoid further spread of COVID-19, nearly all activities of the National Assembly (NA) have been suspended and the Secretariat of Lower House of Parliament has been closed.
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An office order, issued by the Administration Wing of the NA Secretariat, says that the decision was taken in view of the increasing cases of corona virus throughout the country.
In this regard, according to the decision, all offices of the Secretariat have been closed till March 16 (Tuesday) so that the disinfection of COVID-1 virus can be carried out.
Resultantly, all the meetings of National Assembly special committees, standing committees, public accounts have been cancelled because of the closure of offices.
After the evaluation of circumstances on March 16th, the secretariat will resume its duties on March 17 with the necessary required minimum strength for carrying out official business.
As per details, all Heads of the Legislation Wings and Parliamentary Committee have been authorised to allow minimum required staff to work.
The Secretariat staff has also been directed to get themselves tested for COVID-19 immediately and stay home in case of any visible symptoms of the disease.
Furthermore, they have also been directed to wear masks at all times, refrain from shaking hands and maintain 6 ft social distance as per SOPs for COVID-19 while they are on duty.
