Sea View Beach shut as Covid wave surges
People of Karachi are denied the liberty to enjoy sand and surf as the new wave of Covi-19 surges in the city.
In view of the spike in coronavirus cases again, all the routes leading to the popular Sea View Beach have been closed.
Officials of Darakshan and Sahil police stations have erected barriers, road blocks on all roads leading to Sea View, Do Darya and nearby picnic points.
According to police, action was taken in line with the directives issued by the Sindh Home Department. Officials affirmed that action will be taken against people violating the new curbs announced by the government to control the further spread of novel coronavirus disease.
Sindh government had decided to close amusement parks, water parks, beaches including Sea View, Hawke's Bay, and Thatta's Keenjhar Lake besides cinemas, theatres, indoor gyms and indoor games across the province.
Action in line with law will be taken if anyone tries to go to the sea view, the police have warned.
Throwing Covid-SOPs to the wind, scores of people crossed the barricades to reach the Sea View beach to get respite from the heat. Confining children at homes due to closure of amusement spots became difficult, the citizens shared.
Office Order
Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Qazi Shahid Pervaiz, through an office order directed divisional and districts administration to take appropriate measures to ensure compliance of Covid-19 SOPs at tourist destinations, railway stations, bus stands, cattle markets, amusement and public parks, outdoor marriage ceremonies, and hotels, restaurants and cafes, besides already specified areas.
The Home Department has decided to continue special drive to ensure compliance of Corona SOPs till July 25 amid likely increased movement and activities during Eidul Azha.
Compliance to wearing facemasks would be ensured through innovative means while only vaccinated individuals would be allowed to tourist destinations.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2021.