Smart lockdown returns to 4 districts

Coronavirus hotspots identified in major cities

LAHORE:

Punjab government has imposed smart lockdown in several areas of Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi and Gujranwala.

According to a notification the localities of the provincial capital declared coronavirus hotspots include New Muslim Town (C Block), Allama Iqbal Town (Raza, Sikandar, Umar Blocks), Garden Town, Cavalry Ground, DHA Phase 1 (AA Block), HBFC Block B, DHA Phase 6 (Sector A and L), Askari 11, Anarkali, Mozang, Shadman and Gulshan-e-Ravi.

The secretary primary and secondary healthcare said lockdown had been imposed in Naqshabad Colony, Gulgasht Colony, Kherabad, Mepco Colony, Khawajaabad, Kachehri and Sadat Colony in Multan.

In Rawalpindi, Fauji Foundation University New Lalazar, Government Girls High School Kahuta, Satellite Town and Abbasiabad are under lockdown.

The provincial government also announced a smart lockdown in several localities of Gujranwala city.

According to a spokesperson, smart lockdown was imposed in those areas of Gujranwala where highest number of cases of coronavirus had been confirmed. According to a notification, smart lockdown was imposed in the areas of Canal Park Rahwali, Qila Deedar Singh, Ghar Jakh, Dholy, Aroop Town, Francisabad, Maryam Block and Khayali Shah Pur town.

All medical services, including pharmacies, laboratories, sample collection points, hospitals and clinics will remain open round the clock in the areas where lockdown has been imposed.

Dairy, poultry, meat and fish shops and bakeries will open from 7am to 7pm. Grocery stores, general stores, flour mills, fruit and vegetable shops, tandoors and petrol pumps in the localities will open from 9am to 7pm.

Provincial Secretary Captain (retd) Muhammad Usman said the purpose of smart lockdown was to restrict the movement of people from the areas most affected by coronavirus. Only smart lockdowns in affected areas could help prevent more people getting infected with the virus, he said.

“Coronavirus is spreading faster again and the only way to prevent the spread of the disease is to be more careful than before,” he added.

According to the notification, transport and relocation will be banned in the areas during the lockdown.

Social and religious gatherings will be banned. Precautionary standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be enforced by the police. Large stores and shopping malls will remain open in accordance with the SOPs. Markets, restaurants and private and government offices located in the affected areas will remain closed. However, media personnel will be allowed to perform their duties.

Call centres will be allowed to operate with 50% staff.

If a person needs medical treatment, two people will be allowed to accompany him. Only one person will be allowed to travel in a car. Takeaway service from restaurants will continue.

If anyone violates the SOPs, legal action will be taken and business centres failing to enforce them will be sealed.

Officials said the measures were taken due to the continuous increase in the number of coronavirus patients in the areas. People of the affected areas will not be allowed to travel outside. However, the residents will be allowed to avail takeaway service from restaurants round the clock.

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