QUETTA: The Balochistan government has extended the ongoing smart lockdown till July 30 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 9am to 7pm from Saturday to Thursday. “However, all business centres and shops will remain close on Friday,” the notification added.
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.
The notification also informed that the educational institutions would remain closed until further notice. Additionally, cinemas, farmhouses, wedding halls, picnic points will remain shut, the notification added.
Addressing a press conference today (Thursday), Spokesperson Balochistan Government Liaquat Shahwani said that new coronavirus infections in Balochistan have dropped by 50 percent.
The Spokesperson also urged the people of the province to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Eid ul Azha to avoid a possible spike in cases.
“The elderly and children are not allowed to enter cattle markets. Sanitizers and masks will be used and one meter of social distancing will be ensured,” said Shahwani.
So far, the number of coronavirus patients in Balochistan has surged to 11,322 while the number of fatalities stands at 127.
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