Over 1,300 virus hotspots sealed across country

ISLAMABAD: Authorities have sealed more than 1,300 COVID-19 hotspots across the country to limit the spread of new infections.

According to government officials, the sealing of high-risk areas comes as the government’s coronavirus portal reported 6,472 new cases in the last 24 hours.

After initially imposing a nationwide lockdown, the government has now eased restrictions, saying it was necessary to save the country’s economy, but it has caused a surge in COVID-19 cases. PM Imran Khan has resisted demands from experts to reinforce the lockdown.

Officials, however, are now using the term “smart lockdown” to close shops and markets and force citizens to stay home in areas where confirmed cases have increased. According to reports, smart lockdowns have been imposed in certain virus hotspots around the country.

In Punjab, a smart lockdown has been imposed in 844 areas. In Sindh, a smart lockdown has been imposed in seven areas. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 414 areas, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), 12 areas and in Gilgit-Baltistan, five areas.

Some residential areas were also sealed in the capital, Islamabad, to contain the spread of the COVID-19. The capital administration sealed two sub-sectors in G-9 from Friday night after the number of coronavirus cases there reached 300.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad said the decision was taken in response to the District Health Office’s recommendation to seal G-9/2 and G-9/3 along with the sector’s Markaz, commonly known as Karachi Company. People will not be permitted out of their homes during the lockdown except to buy essentials, he added.

Authorities have announced to suspended all activities, including weddings, events and gatherings. Security personnel has been instructed to cordon off these areas in order to make sure public safety and contain the spread of the COVID-19.

Pakistan has reported 132,405 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, including 2,551 deaths since its first case emerged on 26 February 2020.