Punjab govt to impose lockdown in several areas of Lahore after cases spike

Provincial health minister says food stores and pharmacies will remain open

LAHORE: In an attempt to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, the provincial government of Punjab on Monday announced a complete lockdown of two weeks in several areas of Lahore.

Speaking at a press conference, Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid said the provincial government has decided to impose a complete lockdown in some areas of Lahore due to rising coronavirus cases being reported from the city.

The health minister added that the areas will be under lockdown from midnight Monday.

The provincial health minister further said the areas that will experience a complete lockdown for two weeks include Shahdra, Shad Bagh and Harnispura.

She further said food stores and pharmacies are to remain open in these areas.

Dr Yasmin Rashid urged people to follow the government's announced standard operating procedures to stop the spread of the virus and said the government has devised a 'special strategy' for areas of the provincial capital from where spikes in coronavirus cases have been observed.

Reiterating the need for precautionary measures, Rashid said the virus' transmission can be reduced by up to 50pc if people wear masks.

Requesting the masses not to spread misinformation regarding the pandemic, she said the entire world was trying to grapple with Covid-19's effects.