Four areas declared as hotspots in Pindi

Lockdown imposed in these areas until November 19

RAWALPINDI:

To curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, four hotspots have been identified as in Rawalpindi where the smart lockdown will be implemented.

At least educational institutions have also been identified for the smart lockdown.

The Punjab Primary Healthcare Secretary on Tuesday issued a notice wherein it stated that as part of efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and ensure the safety of the public, four areas of Rawalpindi have been declared as hot spots.

This includes Fauji Foundation University in New Lalazar, the Government Girls High School in Kahuta, Satellite Town Blocks B, and C, and Abbasiabad.

Smart lockdowns have been implemented in these areas with immediate effect and will remain in effect until November 19, the notice said.

There will be a complete ban free movement by the public in these areas. However, private transport will be allowed for limited movement with just one person per vehicle when travelling to the exempted facilities.

All markets, shopping malls, restaurants, and public and private offices in these areas will also remain closed until then.

Stores dealing in medical services including pharmacies, laboratories, clinics, and hospitals can operate around the clock throughout the lockdown period in these areas while shops selling essential items such as poultry, dairy, meat, and bakeries items will operate between 7am and 7pm throughout the week.

Similarly, grocery stores, flour mills, fruit and vegetable shops, tandoors (bread ovens) and fuel stations will remain operational from 9am to 7pm throughout the week.

The Punjab health department in its daily bulletin on Tuesday said that at least 67 new cases of Covid-19 had been confirmed in the district over the past 24 hours, taking its overall tally to 8,977 cases.

Jhelum cases

Another seven people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Jhelum over the past 24 hours, taking the total number of infections there to 597.

Jhelum District Health Authority (DHA) Spokesperson Dr Mian Mazhar Hayaat issued a circular on Tuesday stating that there are some 30 active cases in the city currently.

With additional input from Raja Naubahar in Jhelum

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