LAHORE: Pakistan has completely sealed the Wagah border with India to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

According to the notification issued on Thursday, the border has initially been sealed for a period of two weeks. It said the decision was in the interest of both the countries.

The federal capital has imposed a partial lockdown as the coronavirus outbreak worsens across the region.

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The federal government has declared that all government offices in the region will remain closed for two weeks. The local government has directed malls, hotels and weekly bazaars to remain closed as well.

The Department of Excise and Taxation, NADRA, passport offices, beauty parlors and salons have been ordered by an Interior Ministry notification to remain closed.

All of Islamabad’s public and private hospitals were directed to appoint a coronavirus focal person. Construction of isolation wards at all hospitals has begun.

Regarding the burial of the people who died from the virus, the SOP by Islamabad is that only immediate family members will attend the funeral. Mosques and churches were also told to only call needed staff members.

Quaid-e-Azam University has also established an anti-coronavirus research centre. It is led by the varsity vice-chancellor. The team is, he says, in touch with researchers in the UK, China and the US.