Punjab govt extends smart lockdowns in Covid-19 hotpots

The Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department on Tuesday announced the extension of smart lockdowns, enforced in Covid-19 hotspots, till April 26 amid rising coronavirus cases.

According to the provincial health department, cities with a positivity ratio of more than eight per cent would have a complete ban on outdoor weddings and all celebrations whereas shrines would also remain closed to visitors.

“Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Chiniot, Hafizabad, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Pakpattan, Toba Tek Singh and Sheikhupura are among the cities with the positivity ratio of more than eight per cent,” the department said.

The department added that train service across the province would continue with 70% capacity. Furthermore, all business centres across the province would be closed at 6 pm while they would remain closed on Saturday and Sunday.

“All entertainment venues across the province will be completely closed,” the health department stated.

Rea more: Daily Covid death toll hits 118—highest since June

The SOPs by the provincial health department also stated that 50 per cent of staff in all government and private offices would be required to work from home, All medical services, pharmacies, medical stores, laboratories, collection points, hospitals and clinics would remain open 24 hours a day.

“Chicken and meat, fish shops, bakeries, general stores, flour mills, fruit and vegetable shops, bread ovens and petrol pumps would also remain open,” the provincial health department added.

The health sector also urged to strictly follow the Covid-19 SOPs and maintain social distancing to limit the spread of the virus.

At least 2,021 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Punjab during the past 24 hours, taking the provincial tally to 252,974.

According to the provincial health care department, at least 74 more patients succumbed to the pandemic as the total reached 7,062.

The department added that at least 205,912 patients had recovered from the deadly virus as of yet.