KARACHI: Authorities have enforced a smart lockdown in several areas of Karachi’s South district amid a sharp rise in coronavirus cases fuelled by the Omicron variant.
District administration issued a notification stating that multiple localities of Garden, Saddar and Civil Lines areas will remain under a ‘smart lockdown’. It said that unnecessary movement of the people residing in areas under lockdown shall be restricted. No gathering of three or more persons shall be allowed in public spaces.
The micro lockdown shall remain until active cases in these areas come down to zero. All businesses shall ensure COVID-19 SOPs are followed in letter and spirit.
A day earlier, a micro-smart lockdown was imposed in various streets of four towns of Karachi. According to a statement issued by the central deputy commissioner, the smart lockdown has been imposed on the recommendation of the district health officer.
The lockdown was imposed in Gulberg, Liaquatabad, North Karachi and North Nazimabad. Implementation of smart lockdown in these towns will continue till February 5.
The local administration said there was a significant increase in Omicron variant cases in these areas. The purpose of the smart lockdown is to curb the spread of Omicron and protect the people.
The notification also emphasised on mandatory implementation of coronavirus-related standard operating procedures (SOPs), including wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing.
