Smart lockdowns imposed in various areas of Gujranwala

Smart lockdowns have been imposed in various areas of Gujranwala amid a rise in coronavirus cases, Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Care Captain (retired) Muhammad Usman confirmed on Tuesday

Canal Park Rahwali, Qila Deedar Singh Town, Gharjakh, Dhole, Arup Town, Francisabad, Maryam Block and Khayali Shahpur Town were among the areas where the smart lockdown was imposed.

Punjab's health secretary added that all shopping malls, restaurants, offices (private and public) would remain closed in these areas.

“All types of gatherings will be completely banned,’ he added. “All medical services, pharmacy, medical store, laboratories, collection points, hospitals and clinics will remain open 24 hours a day."

Milk, chicken, meat, fish shops and bakeries would be open from 7am to 7pm, the health secretary added whereas grocery, general stores, flour mills, fruit, vegetable shops, bread shops [tandoor] and petrol pumps would remain open from 9am to 7pm

“The purpose of the smart lockdown is to limit the movement of people from areas most affected by Covid-19,” he added. “Only smart lockdowns in the affected areas can save more people from being infected.”

He further warned that coronavirus can spread again if people were not careful. He reminded people that Covid-19 was a contagious disease but its spread can be controlled by taking more precautions than before.