ISLAMABAD: In Federal Capital Islamabad, all the offices, markets, shopping malls and restaurants will remain closed from Wednesday (today) as a precaution against spread of coronavirus.

Addressing the news conference in Islamabad, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division Moeed Yusuf said no intercity public transport will be allowed to operate within the federal capital whereas Metro Bus service will remain open from 8:30am to 10:30am and 3:30pm to 5:30 pm.

He informed that public gathering including religious congregation had been banned in the ICT.

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“Essential services including welfare trusts, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medicine stores, groceries are exempted from the ban,” he said.

The Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on all within city, inter districts and inter province movement of the people by all means.

A notification to this effect issued said the order shall take effect from March 24 till April 7 unless modified.

Gatherings of all kinds for social, religious or any other purpose at any public or private place shall also be banned. Besides, all public and private offices shall remain closed.