LAHORE:
After the experience of Eidul Fitr shopping leading to a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the province, the Punjab government has decided to enforce a lockdown prior to Eidul Azha to contain the spread of the pandemic.
During a meeting presided over by Chief Secretary Punjab Jawwad Rafique Malik to review arrangements for the enforcement of the smart lockdown and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in cattle markets, it was decided that shopping centres of the province will be closed ahead of the Eid.
The health department proposed imposition of the lockdown from Tuesday or Wednesday, giving the people fewer days to shop during the last week before the Eid. According to the department, the Punjab cabinet would take a decision in this regard on Monday.
The chief secretary said during the meeting that the smart lockdown in Lahore and other cities had yielded positive results and the number of new coronavirus cases continued to tail off.
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He said shopping activities in the markets before Eidul Azha could cause spread of Covid-19, adding that keeping in view the experience of Eidul Fitr, it had been decided in public interest to enforce a smart lockdown on the eve of the religious festival.
The chief secretary said all possible steps, including strict implementation of SOPs in cattle markets, would be taken to curb the spread of Covid-19.
He asked all the divisional commissioners to strictly enforce the SOPs, including wearing of masks and ban on entry of elderly and children in the cattle markets.
IG Punjab Shoaib Dastgir directed the RPOs to ensure foolproof security, social distance and other precautionary measures for Eid prayer congregations.
The meeting decided to empower the deputy commissioners to extend the working hours of cattle markets.
The secretary local government said that apart from temporary sale points, 300 cattle markets were functioning in the province.
However, elders and children were seen visiting cattle markets in the city, including one of the biggest ones at ShahpurKanjaran.
The district administrations also seem to have turned a blind eye to the roadside stalls set up alongside main markets of Lahore, which remain open till late night.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 27th, 2020.
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