Sindh goes back to business

As the Sindh government lifted its lockdown on Monday, excited citizens who had been limited to their homes for almost five months threw caution to the wind and thronged public places.

The Sindh government issued a notification on the day, stating that non-contact sports, clubs, gyms, hotels, restaurants, parks, salons, cinemas, tourist hotels, shrines and public transport could reopen - subject to strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Furthermore, indoor and outdoor sporting events may take place without spectators, while permitted or licenced gatherings can also be held, again conditional on following SOPs to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Religious or patriotic processions and gatherings, however, must be approved in advance, while attendance at Urs-related activities at shrines is to be limited.

Government officials reiterated the need for caution with the pandemic not yet being over. "Any carelessness is likely to cause increase in spread…Prevention remains the only measure against the disease till a cure or becomes available," added the notification. "Stricter adherence to SOPs is required than ever before to contain the disease while more activities are being allowed."

Meanwhile, citizens were advised to avoid areas with potential crowding and observe hand hygiene and social distancing. Further, it was pointed out again that wearing face masks in public remained mandatory.

Out and about

Yet the warning appeared to fall on deaf ears as people rushed to shopping plazas, public parks, restaurants and Sea View, with few of them bothering with social distancing or masks even with the worry of another potential lockdown on their minds.

"I've come here after five months. My kids wanted to see the shore," exclaimed Soraj, a resident of Bilal Colony, who was visiting Sea View with his family. "We have brought masks but there is no need for them in such an open space and no one has questioned us."

Another visitor at the beach, Waseem, pointed out that he had barely seen anyone wearing masks or keeping a reasonable distance from others. "We should follow the government's SOPs. Otherwise, I think they will close everything again," he opined.

Meanwhile, Kaveel, a daily-wage worker, said he had returned to his village in Nawabshah when the lockdown began. "It's my first day back here and I hope I don't have to leave again."

The city's markets teemed with customers too, as people rushed to buy goods. Kulsoom Bibi, accompanied with a dozen women from her family, was visiting a cloth market near Teen Talwar as she prepared for her son and daughter's weddings scheduled for next month. "It's better to purchase everything now. Who knows when they might close the shops again?"

A shopkeeper at Tariq Road said it was nearly impossible to get customers to keep a distance from each other. "We try to disperse them [buyers] when we spot a police van drawing near us," he laughed, adding that most of the shopkeepers avoided asking their clients to wear masks. "After all, it's their own health at stake."

At Boat Basin, restaurant workers hurried around getting their eateries ready for diners. "Our restaurant is finally open for the public. People can dine here now after five months," smiled an employee at one of the eateries. "We are expecting a massive rush, even during the weekdays. People want to go out and dine out."

Precautionary measures

Elaborating on the conditions under which economic and social activities could be resumed, the government notification stated that educational institutions, marriage halls, business centres and expo halls were to remain closed until September 15.

Moreover, the notification added that the provincial or district authorities could, by order, restrict activities in areas identified as hotspots or high-risk areas for the virus.

The decision was taken in light of discussions at the National Command and Operation Centre and National Coordination Committee, which agreed "to allow economic activities to lessen the economic burden on the population to the maximum possible extent while following precautionary measures."

Business timings have been extended from 6am to 8pm six days a week, while restaurants may be open for dine-in until 10pm. On Saturdays, the timings have been extended by an hour. The number of occupants in closed spaces is to be limited, while distancing is to be ensured in seating arrangements as well.

Karachi Commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani advised citizens and shopkeepers alike to follow the SOPs. "District administration officials will randomly visit hotels, gyms, shopping malls and other places," he told The Express Tribune. "Strict action will be taken if anyone found breaking the law."

Published in The Express Tribune, August 11^th, 2020.