The Sindh government has decided to impose three-hour complete lockdown on Friday between 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm as a measure to contain spread of coronavirus, announced home department on Thursday.
According to the home department, a complete lockdown for three hours will be imposed tomorrow during the timings of Friday prayers, however, the orders will not apply to the private hospitals. The department has also warned strict action against the persons involved in the violation of the restrictions. It is pertinent to mention here that the provincial had banned all kinds of public and religious gatherings across Sindh to curb spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest order is the revision of the decision taken in the previous week during Friday prayers to limit large gatherings. However, the government has also made decision to ease lockdown after April 14 but in phases.
The Sindh government has decided to provide some relief to the business community, trade centres, shopping centres, bakeries, restaurants as it is planning on easing the lockdown restrictions starting April 14. City Commissioner IftikharShallwanihas confirmed this. The commissioner said they are preparing guidelines for the restaurants, bakeries, industries, business centers and other business. “Take-away and delivery facility from the fast food chains and restaurants are to be provided during set hours”, Shallwani added.
“The process of finalisation of the SOPs is in final stage and soon these will be sent to the Sindh CM for approval”, the commissioner said, adding that they will be implemented after his approval. Shallwani said that strict legal action will be taken against those businesses and shops which fail to follow the government’s guidelines, which will be issued through an administrative order before April 15. He said that grocery shops, general stores, super markets, medical centres, meat and milk shops will be allowed to function during particular hours too.
General stores, super markets, medical centers, meat shops will open from 8am to 5pm, while milk and dairy shops will remain open from 5am to 8pm.
