The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration has accelerated action against violators of standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed to control the spread of deadly coronavirus.

After extending lockdown imposed in the wake of Covid-19 outbreak till May 31, and exempting some businesses from lockdown, gross violations of SOPs have been observed in various markets.

The deputy commissioner Islamabad has taken notice of the violations, and held a meeting with the traders and representatives of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce.

During the meeting, the traders have been asked to implement the SOPs, otherwise strict action would be taken against the violators, said a senior official.

He said that inspection teams of the ICT Administration headed by relevant assistant commissioners (ACs) and police had launched action against the violators after traders failed to comply with the SOPs.

"The ICT teams have sealed a number of shops who were found guilty for violation of the SOPs, and imposed heavy fines against them," he said, adding that the administration would seal entire markaz, markets or commercial and shopping centres, if violations were observed there.

The public has also been largely seen violating the SOPs despite the government's efforts to restrict them at homes.

Most of the shoppers in the various markets were busy in shopping without wearing face masks.

Meanwhile, the tally of Covid-19 patients crossed 822 in the federal capital after 63 news cases were added on Thursday. Out of total 822 cases, 100 patients have so far recovered, and six people have died.

According to official data, on May 13, total cases in the city were 759, May 12, 716, May 11, 679 and May 10, 641, May 9, 609, May 8, 558, May 7,521, May 6, 485. May 5, 464, May 4, 415, May 3, 393, on May 2, 365, and May 1, 343. The main coronavirus hotspots of the capital are Sector I-10, Tarlai, Bhara Kahu, Lohi Bhair, Sector I-8, and Sector G-11.