QUETTA: The Balochistan government has extended the ongoing smart lockdown until 17th August in order to contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
According to a notification issued in this regard, shopping malls, markets, shops, warehouses, auto repair shops, and hair salons across the province will be allowed to remain open from 9 am to 7 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
The notification further informed that tandoors, dairy products shops, medical stores, and blood banks will be allowed to remain open 24 hours a day. “Restaurants and hotels will be open 24 hours only for home delivery and takeaway service,” it added.
In addition, restaurants and hotels will be open 24 hours only for home delivery and takeaway service.
The statement said that educational institutions in the province would remain closed until the government gave further notice in this regard.
Moreover, cinemas, farmhouses, wedding halls, picnic points will remain shut while gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, pillion riding, social, political, and religious events involving 10 or more people will remain banned across the province, the notification highlighted.
According to the federal government’s directives, educational institutions will remain closed till September 1. Apart from the departments specified by the S&GAD, other government offices will also remain closed.
So far, the number of coronavirus patients in Balochistan has surged to 11,762 while the number of fatalities stands at 136.
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