Govt to extend smart lockdown

LAHORE:

The government has reportedly decided to extend smart lockdown in coronavirus hotspots once again due to the increasing number of cases of the disease being reported in Punjab during the third wave of the pandemic.

The notification in this regard is likely to be issued in the next few days.

Punjab government had imposed smart lockdown in various districts due to increasing coronavirus cases.

In seven of the districts, educational institutions were closed.

Sources said Punjab government had recommended complete lockdown to the federal authorities, while the measures suggested by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) were being implemented.

So far, the markets are closed at 6pm daily with holiday on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition, educational institutions are closed, while banks are working under the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set to avoid the spread of the virus.

Dining in restaurants is also closed, while the takeaway service is allowed.

Despite all the measures, the number of coronavirus cases in Punjab is not decreasing and a record 88 people lost their lives in a single day due to the infection.

In addition, reports are emerging of shortage at medical stores of medicines being used to treat coronavirus patients.

The number of coronavirus patients in hospitals has also increased, while ventilators are becoming hard to find. Private hospitals are charging the patients exorbitant fees.

The government is considering a proposal to change the shop timings during Ramazan after studying the expected number of customers at different times of the day.

According to Lahore Commissioner Mohammed Usman, the number of new coronaviris cases in Punjab, which was increasing earlier, has decreased. Therefore, it has been proposed that the government extend the smart lockdown but include more cities with a high number of cases of the disease in the areas being put under restrictions.

The official said the government had been informed about the latest situation. Intercity transport has also been stopped. However, the strategy for future will be discussed in a meeting of the government's corona committee.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar is reportedly receiving frequent updates regarding the situation so that timely decisions can be taken to protect the people of the province.

Meanwhile, vaccine is being administered to citizens over 50 years of age across Punjab to halt the spread of coronavirus. According to the provincial health department, at least 2,628 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Punjab on Saturday, bringing the total to 245,923. In addition, the total number of deaths from coronavirus rose to 6,908. As many as 4,035,683 samples have been tested or the virus. The number of patients who have recovered from the infection has risen to 200,235.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2021.