The district administration on Tuesday warned traders and shopkeepers that in case of violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed to control the pandemic; the coronavirus would rapidly spread in the city.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat during inspection of various markets along with Corona Tiger Force told shopkeepers the pandemic does not spread due to opening of markets or buying or selling things but if social distancing at shops is not maintained or face masks were not worn coronavirus will spread rapidly.

Following direction of the Supreme Court, the ICT Administration has exempted all shops, shopping malls, hair salon and barber shops subjected to adoption of the SOPs.

According to the notification issued by the administration, owners, proprietors, management of the shops will be responsible for ensuring implementation of the SOPs regarding social distancing.

Moreover, they would ensure wearing of face masks by their own employees and will also ensure that no body without face mask enter their shops, whether seller or buyer.

They will ensure proper sanitation and disinfection of their retail shops and malls.

In case of any violation, action will be taken against the violators, it says.

According to official data, the number of Covid-19 patients reported in the federal capital rose to 1,034 on Monday, after 37 more people were tested positive. Tarlai, Sector I-10 and Bhara Kahu have the highest number of cases in the city.

According to the official data, on May 18 total cases in the city were 997, on May 17, 947, May 16, 921, May 15, 866, on May 14, 822, May 13, 759, on May 12, 716, May 11, 679, 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 on May 1, 343.

Out of total 1,034 cases, 113 patients have so far recovered, and nine have died.