Restricted public gatherings: Coronavirus takes fun out of twin cities.

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI -- It was an unusual Sunday for the residents of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi with most of the usual recreational haunts such as the zoo, major parks and malls bearing a desolated look after the government had issued directives to restrict public interaction as part of measures to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.

However, the local government allowed the weekly bazaar to operate so that the public could procure essential items. Meanwhile, seven international passengers suspected of having the novel coronavirus were committed to the quarantine facilities in the federal capital.

As the national tally for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) recorded the highest jump in a single day, the strict restrictions on public gatherings and closure of public places came into effect. This meant that there was little traffic on the roads was quite thin while the metro bus stations appeared desolate.

Popular haunts in the federal capital such as the Margharzar Zoo, Daman-e-Koh, Pir Suhawa, Lake View Park, Ankara Park, Rawal Dam, and Shakarparian all looked like ghost towns with their gates firmly sealed on the directions of Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz and the deputy commissioner.

Malls, which are usually bustling with visitors on the weekend, were also deserted. Closure of cinemas on the direction of the government meant that moviegoers had to return disappointed.

Officials of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and the Islamabad Municipal Corporation (IMC) were on hand to ward off people out to enjoy the weekly public holiday.

As a result, many people returned home while some took to leisurely sitting on the greenbelts or in grounds which have not been covered in the ban. Many tried to eke out a thrill by going to the Faisal Mosque or the Pakistan monument but were turned away because the entry of visitors was prohibited.

Sources in IMC, however, said that sports grounds located in different sectors saw healthy participation from youngsters as the administration had exempted sporting activity from the ban.

Bazaars open

Despite the bar on public spaces such as parks and other recreational spots, the IMC allowed markets and the weekly Sunday bazaars to operate.

An IMC official said that since the federal government had announced to shut down public spaces very close to the weekend, it was not entirely possible to cancel the weekly markets in sectors G-10, G-6, and H-9. The official added that the...