Several neighbourhoods in Karachi’s District South and West have been sealed in line with the government’s smart lockdown policy to stem spread of the novel coronavirus. The lockdown has been imposed on the district health officers’ recommendations in the areas where Covid-19 cases are increasing rapidly, according to the district administration. The areas of District South that have been completely locked down for a period of 14 days (03-07-2010 to 16-07-2020) include: Civil Lines: All of Clifton Block 4, including all restaurants and businesses, Clifton Block 5 – the area between Khayaban-e-Saadi and Khayaban-e-Iqbal and between Bank Raod and Neher-e-Khayam – and all localities of Bath island Arambagh: Khori Garden Market, MachiMiyani Market in Kharadar; Garden: DoliKhatta, Shoe Market, all commercial areas of Jeelani Masjid Road and Hari Masjid Road in Nanakwara; Lyari: Madni Road Mosa Lane; and Saddar: Bazarta Line. District West: Gadap: UC-5 Songal (Gulshan-e-Maymar Blocks X, Y and Z); Kemari: UC-3 Kemari (Docks and Majeed Colony); Baldia: UC-5 Saeedabad (Blocks 5G, 5J, A3); SITE: UC-4 Metroville (Blocks 1,2,3,4 and 5); and Orangi: UC-11 Data Nagar (Area A/B), UC-12 Mujahid Colony (Millatabad, Gulfamabad Aligarh Colony).There is a complete ban on movement and wearing masks has been made mandatory during the lockdown. However, grocery stores and pharmacies are allowed to stay open. During the smart lockdown, movement is restricted and masks are necessary. Pillion riding and all sorts of public transport including ride-hailing services will also remain suspended. Only grocery stores and pharmacies will be allowed to remain open and only one person per household can leave to buy food or medicine. The notification read that the government will try to set up mobile dispensaries and mobile utility stores in these areas. All other businesses and industrial units in these areas will be closed. There will also be no home delivery or takeaway. No private/family get-togethers are allowed either.
