KARACHI: In the wake of resurging COVID-19 cases in the province, the Sindh government has issued a revised set of safety rules in order to stop the spread of the virus.
According to a notification issued by the provincial government, “The safety precautions that are issued earlier through order with the same reference number as above dated March 14, 2020, are strictly applied by all within the territorial jurisdiction of the province of Sindh.”
The notification further urged following the precautionary measures at workplaces, public places, and during traveling, especially when using public transportation.
According to the new SOPs, wearing masks has been made mandatory in public places. The city said that a fine of up to Rs 500 will be imposed in case of violation.
Meanwhile, the district administration of Hyderabad has decided to impose a smart lockdown in 16 union councils.
As of today, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) said only 50% of employees at all private and government offices will be allowed to call into work. The remaining will have to work from home, the NCOC said.
It also directed that anyone not wearing a mask will be fined Rs 100. However, the violator would be given three masks.
On Friday, Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shallwani had directed citizens to wear facemasks in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the city and warned that in case of violation, it could lead to a Rs 1000 fine.
In a notification, Iftikhar said that citizens should ensure to wear a face mask to curb the spread of COVID-19 as any violation could lead to strict action against them.
The Commissioner also warned shopkeepers and market administrators of consequences in case of COVID-19 SPOs violation. He instructed, “All deputy commissioners should ensure strict implementation on the SOPs in their respective areas.”
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah had also said that “strict action” would be taken against people violating prescribed Covid-19 safety measures.
Chairing a meeting of the province’s coronavirus task force, Shah said that amid rising cases, the authorities need to ensure that people take precautions.
