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LAHORE: The Punjab government on Sunday suspended public transport on motorways in 15 districts as COVID-19 cases increase in the province.
The restrictions on public transport were announced on the recommendation of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). Buses will no longer be allowed to travel on the motorways, a spokesman for the Motorway Police said.
On September 3, the Punjab Health Department had announced the closure of public transport on weekends and the implementation of smart lockdowns in high disease prevalent cities.
Smart lockdowns were imposed in 15 districts within the province. The restrictions are expected to remain in force till September 12. Cities included in the smart lockdown are: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Khanewal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Rahim Yar Khan
Other restrictions imposed in these areas include:
- Trade and business activities to remain suspended on Saturdays and Sundays.
- A complete ban on indoor dining; outdoor dining allowed till 10pm.
- A complete ban on indoor weddings or functions.
- Public and private offices will be allowed to function normally.
- The railways shall continue to operate with a maximum occupancy of 70%.
The Punjab government had also announced that all services and activities allowed to operate under the new notification will be obligated to strictly implement COVID-19 safety guidelines.