Sindh goes into lockdown at midnight with ‘blanket ban’ on movement

Official notification lists down activities which are exempted from restrictions for 15 days

The Sindh government has officially imposed a "complete ban" on the public movement in a bid to effectively implement the social distancing measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.

A notification in this regard was issued on Sunday hours after Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that the government was imposing a complete lockdown, terming it "only way" to stem rising COVID-19 cases as number of infected patients surpassed 330 in the province.

Noting the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in the province, CM Shah said that he had no choice but to opt for a province-wide lockdown.

ÔÇ£We are making tough decisions in the best interest of the people,ÔÇØ he added.

ÔÇ£No one will be allowed on the roads without a solid reason,ÔÇØ he said and┬áemphasised that the government would do its best to facilitate citizens during the lockdown to ensure the availability of basic necessities.

According to the official communique the lockdown will be of 15 days, effective from Sunday midnight (March 23). Under the directives, all kind of gatherings social, religious or other form will not be allowed.

All public and private offices within the territorial limits of the province will also remain shut.

However, the statement also list down few exceptions:

• Health and law enforcement agencies personnel will be permitted to carry out their duties


• Workers associated with the essential services will be allowed to attend their offices.


• Person in need of medical emergency can travel with only one attendant


• One person per family will be allowed to go out to buy groceries or medicines