Lockdowns extend to virus hotspots in Karachi’s East District

The relevant authorities announced on Friday the imposition of micro and smart lockdowns in East district's virus hotspots.

It is the fourth district in Karachi where lockdowns have been enforced this week, with restriction already having been implemented in selected areas of Central, West and Keamari Districts.

According to a notification issued in connection with the development, the lockdowns came into force in the district on Saturday at midnight and will remain effective till December 31, 2020.

Areas in East District that have undergone smart lockdowns include Essa Nagri, neighbourhoods in the surroundings of Civic Centre, Dalmia, PIB Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal's Block 5, Pehlwan Goth, Jamali Colony, selected localities of Gulzar-e-Hijri and Faisal Cantonment Board and Safoora Colony.

Meanwhile, micro lockdowns have been imposed on residences located in Akhtar Colony, Manzoor Colony, Azam Basti, Mehmoodabad, Garden East, Soldier Bazaar, PECHS and some streets of Jamshed Quarters.

The notification states that only grocery shops and pharmacies are allowed to operate in areas under lockdowns and no home delivery or takeaway from any restaurant is permitted in virus hotspots. Restrictions have also been placed on private gatherings at homes, pillion riding has been banned and wearing masks has been made mandatory for any persons stepping outside their houses.

East District has been flagged for reporting the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the province, as well as pandemic-related deaths.

However, lockdowns have been imposed in other districts of Karachi too, along with the tightening of pandemic-related standard operating procedures, as the authorities strive to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

On Thursday, the Sindh government issued a notification announcing the suspension of educational activities at seminaries across the province, keeping in view the surging Covid- 19 caseload.

The provincial government also extended micro and smart lockdowns to more areas in West and Keamari Districts the same day.

Earlier on Wednesday, micro and smart lockdowns were imposed in virus hotspots in 11 UCs of Central district.