Nine new infections surface in province

27 people detained for violating section 144 as lockdown enters second day

QUETTA: The tally of confirmed coronavirus cases topped 119 in Balochistan after nine new cases tested positive on Wednesday in the province.

Out of the total confirmed cases, only two were of local transmission while the rest of the patients have had a travel history, the Balochistan Health Department said.

So far the province reported one fatality from the deadly infection on Sunday when a 65-year-old man, a diabetic patient and resident of Quetta, passed away in a government-run hospital.

On the second day of the lockdown, the provincial police and district administration ensured closure of public transport, markets and mini petrol pumps. However, 150 shops were seized and 27 people detained for violating the lockdown rules.

The district administration also announced action under section 144 if people were found violating the rules and venturing out without reasons as listed by the provincial government.

Amid the rising tide of coronavirus cases, the provincial government had imposed a complete lockdown across the province on Tuesday till April 7 with the exception of essential services such as personnel working in hospitals, laboratories and medical stores, law enforcement agencies personnel, people in need of urgent medical care with one attendant, people going out to buy grocery and medicines within the vicinity of their residence, burials of people who have passed away with all the necessary precautions taken against the spread of the disease and any other exemptions deemed necessary by the provincial home department.

Confirming the rules of the lockdown, Civil Hospital Quetta shut down outpatient department for seven days while the emergency department and operation theatre of the hospital would operate as per routine.

Besides, health officials stated that 542 people admitted in hospitals have completed their quarantine period and been allowed to leave for home. “The patients have been allowed to leave after they tested negative for the virus. They have also been conditioned to remain in isolation as a precautionary measure,” said a health official.

Earlier, National Security Committee, in a meeting, had decided complete closure of towns bordering with Afghanistan and Iran from March 16. However, Prime Minister

Imran Khan directed opening of the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman despite the global pandemic which has killed one patient and affected 42 people in Afghanistan.

Currently, Chaman and Taftan bordering towns are reported to be closed amid high security.

The provincial government departments and offices, including Balochistan High Court, would observe holidays till March 28. BHC has also issued a statement directing people to stay at home as a precautionary measure in order to contain the coronavirus.

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal has also urged people to stay indoors and cooperate with the government in these trying times.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2020.