Shopping malls closed amid coronavirus fears in Punjab

Police in different cities, including Multan, detained some citizens for violating Punjab govt orders of staying home

MULTAN: Shopping malls and markets were shut down across Punjab on Sunday as part of preventive measures against coronavirus.

The traffic flow was also less than normal.

Hasty buying of masks and sanitisers was witnessed in medical stores, causing a shortage in the city.

Shopkeepers have been selling masks and sanitisers at exorbitant rates. Some local people suggested that the government should provide sanitisers and masks to citizens at official prices.

A mask worth Rs10 was being sold for Rs40 and a sanitiser for Rs400 instead of Rs80, but no action is being taken.

AS the markets were closed as per the instructions of the Punjab government due to the spread of coronavirus, most people spent time in their homes. However, medical stores, vegetable and fruit markets, general stores and milk shops remained open.

The Chamber of Small Industries closed all shops as directed by the government.

Markets and trading centres have been closed in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Vehari, Abdul Hakim, Muzaffargarh and adjoining cities of south Punjab.

Police in different cities, including Multan, detained some citizens for violating government orders of staying home.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2020.