Smart lockdown lifted in Balochistan after declining COVID-19 cases

QUETTA: Balochistan government has announced to lift smart lockdown from the province after COVID-19 cases witnessed a sharp decline in the province.

According to a notification issued from the provincial home ministry, all business centers, markets, and stores are now exempted from restrictions imposed under a smart lockdown and could remain open for 24 hours.

The provincial officials also withdrew a previous notification from the provincial home department extending smart lockdown in the province till August 15.

It is worth mentioning here that provinces have moved towards lifting restrictions on movement after the country has witnessed a sharp decline in COVID-19 cases.

Earlier, the Punjab government had notified to lift a complete lockdown in the province from Sunday midnight, however, smart lockdown will remain in place in the province amid COVID-19 outbreak.

The notification issued by Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Captain (retd) Muhammad Usman asked all relevant authorities to ensure complete implementation on the fresh directives.

All business centers will remain open in the province five times a day from Monday to Friday during 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, the provincial health department said further allowing operations of grocery shops from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm during the entire week.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday said that the Provincial Task Force on COVID-19 has decided to resume educational and business activities all over the province from September 15, if the COVID-19 pandemic situation remains under control.

According to a press statement, the decision was taken by the National Coordination Committee; however, the provincial government decided to review the situation in the first week of next month to implement the decision.