Balochistan extends lockdown till August 17

The Balochistan government on Monday extended the lockdown in the province for another 15 days despite a massive drop in Covid-19 cases that continue to decline.

As per the notification issued by the provincial home department in view of the spread of coronavirus, the lockdown in the province would continue till August 17. During the lockdown, there shall be a complete ban on gathering of ten or more people. Sit-ins, processions and rallies remain banned. It is imperative for people to wear masks if they step out of the house. The statement further added that tandoors, dairy products shops, medical stores, blood banks and tailor shops will be allowed to remain open 24 hours a day. However, restaurants and hotels will continue to operate 24 hours as well but only for home delivery and takeaway service.

Opening up of educational institutions including colleges and universities throughout the province still remains prerogative of the federal government whereas cinemas, farmhouses, wedding halls, picnic points will continue to remain close until further notice.

Restrictions on social, political and religious ceremonies still remain in place.

Shopping malls, markets and shops will remain functional till 7pm for seven days a week, according to the notification.

The aforementioned order will remain enforced in the province till the afternoon of Aug 17.Even though the government has decided to extend the ongoing smart lockdown, it is pertinent to mention that implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is still not at par. No SOPs were followed during the earlier enforced lockdown and not even large Eid gatherings that were organised in Quetta.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2020.