Lockdown extended in Balochistan

Ban imposed on gatherings of 10 or more people, sit-ins, processions and rallies

QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Tuesday announced it is extending the smart lockdown till June 30 with previously designated Standard Operating Procedures as the Covid-19 cases continue to spike.

According to the notification issued by the Balochistan government in view of the spread and escalating rate of coronavirus cases, the lockdown will be enforced in the province for another 15 days.

During the lockdown, there shall be a complete ban on gatherings of ten or more people, sit-ins, processions and rallies. It is mandatory for people going to public places to wear a mask.

On the other hand, tandoors, dairy products shops, medical stores, blood banks and tailor shops will be allowed to remain open 24 hours a day.

Restaurants and hotels will also be allowed to stay open 24/7 but only for home delivery and takeaway services. However, educational institutions of the province will remain closed till July 15 whereas cinemas, farmhouses, wedding halls, picnic points will remain closed until further notice.

The restrictions on social, political and religious ceremonies also remain in place. All shopping malls, markets and shops will remain functional from 9am to 7pm from Saturday to Thursday. Businesses will remain closed on Friday, though.

Inter-Provincial, Inter-District and Intra-City public transport is allowed to operate with certain SOPs, concluded the home department notification.This order will remain in force in the province till June 30.

Doctor’s services praised

Balochistan Health Secretary Dostain Jamaldini said that coronavirus is spreading fast in Pakistan and deaths are on the rise but the doctors, nurses and paramedics are battling it fearlessly. While addressing a press conference at Quetta Press Club, he laid emphasis on following the principles of social distancing and taking precautionary measures so that minimum loss is suffered.

“Doctors and staff were working in hospitals for 36 to 48 hours but are discouraged due to misreporting on social media,” the health secretary noted.

Jamaldini added that the prevailing situation can lead to great economic loss. "Deaths have increased in the province. We have initiated collection of data of deaths from homes. Out of 21 deceased's families, 19 households were found to be infected with corona.” Towards the end of his presser, he clarified rumors about shortage of space in hospitals. “Bring patients to our hospital. Oxygen is procured from Karachi. Civil Hospital has two oxygen generating plants. Their capacity is low. Fatima Jinnah is constructing an oxygen liquid tank in the hospital.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2020.