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KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced to impose micro-smart lockdowns in different areas of District Central for 14 days owing to a rise in COVID-19 cases.
According to a notification issued in this regard said on Wednesday, the lockdown comes into effect on March 17, 2021, and will stay in place for 14 days, i.e. until March 31, 2021.
Areas, where the lockdown comes into effect, include nine union councils (UCs) of North Karachi, North Nazimabad, and Gulberg. The district health officer suggested that a lockdown should be imposed in the designated areas, read the notification.
All people entering and exiting the marked areas will have to wear a face mask at all times, the notification stated, while people will not be allowed to move around unnecessarily during the lockdown period.
The notification further said all business and industrial activities in the area will remain suspended. Family gatherings will also be prohibited, it added.
The provincial authorities said all people who have tested positive for COVID-19 will have to quarantine at home, while the provincial government will take steps to ensure the supply of rations to deserving people.
Earlier Monday, the Sindh government had announced to impose a smart lockdown across the province till April 15 in order to contain the outbreak of the deadly disease.
According to a notification, “There will be a smart lockdown as per earlier decision based on disease hotspot as deemed appropriate by commissioners and deputy commissioners under Sindh Epidemic Diseases Act 2014.”
Timings of all commercial business such as markets, shopping malls, marriage halls, would be from 6 am to 10 pm except essential services medical stores including medical stores, clinics, as well as petrol pumps, bakeries and milk shops.
The provincial government has also imposed a ban on indoor dining at restaurants and only outdoor dining and takeaway would be allowed. “All amusement parks would be closed by 6 pm whereas all indoor facilities such as gyms cinemas, theatres and shrines would also be closed,” the notification added.
The notification further stated, “No indoor weddings would be allowed. Only outdoor gatherings /weddings would be allowed only with a maximum limit of 300 individuals with defined SOPs.”
“Work from the home policy would be implemented whereas 50 percent staff in attendance would be allowed in all public and private offices,” the notification added.
