Punjab observes partial lockdown amid coronavirus outbreak

LAHORE: The government of Punjab has imposed a partial lockdown in the province till 24 March after impaling in the number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan.

The provincial government issued a notification in this regard that stated all shopping malls, shops, parks and entertainment venues in the province will remain closed till March 24.

The notification stated Pharmacies, dairy shops, poultry shops, bakeries and grocery stores will remain open. It said that all other retail outlets will remain closed from 9 pm till 9 am 24 March.

the government has urged the citizen to stay at their homes during the weekend as social separation was compulsory to limit the spread of the coronavirus among the citizens.

The notification clarified that this is not a lockdown. The logic behind the decision is to maintain social isolation in the wake of the rapid spread of coronavirus.

The authorities also directed the Punjab Industries Department to make sure an adequate supply of essential commodities to people. It is pertinent to mention that the number of Coronavirus victims in Pakistan has increased.

READ MORE: Balochistan govt to temporarily lock-down province for 21 days

Sindh remains the worst affected province from the coronavirus with a total of 397 cases. Chief Minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar has confirmed that 137 coronavirus cases have been reported in the province so far.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department has informed that the number of cases in the province stands at 27 after four new patients were reported. Three of four new cases had travel history while the other is a contact of previously confirmed cases.

The total number of confirmed cases in Gilgit-Baltistan rose to 55 from the previous total of 30, as 25 new cases were reported in the region.

In Balochistan, the chief secretary of the province had informed that the confirmed cases of coronavirus had reached 104.