Pakistan

Sindh relaxes Covid-19 SOPs, allows indoor dining

Ban on cinemas and contact sports remains in place

Sameer Mandhro September 15, 2021

KARACHI:

The Sindh government on Wednesday relaxed certain Covid-19 restrictions in the province following a decrease in the number of daily cases.

Markets in the province, including Karachi, can now stay open till 10pm. Essential services such as pharmacies, grocery stores, bakeries and petrol pumps would be allowed to operate 24 hours a day.

In Karachi, markets would be closed on Sundays, while in other cities and towns of the province, the closed day would be observed on Friday.

According to the notification issued by the provincial government, indoor dining would again be allowed till midnight for vaccinated individuals, while takeaway and home delivery services can function 24 hours a day.

Offices have also been allowed to resume work with 100pc attendance.

Indoor events, such as weddings, would be allowed with a maximum of 200 guests while outdoor events now have a limit of 400 guests while adhering to Covid-19 protocols.

However, a complete ban on cinemas and contact sports remains across the province and only people vaccinated against Covid-19 would be allowed in indoor gyms.

“Public transport may ply on sanctioned routes with an occupancy level of up to 50% seating capacity, subject to following of all SOPs with staff duly vaccinated. Ban is imposed on all types of snacks serving to the passengers during the journey by the transport services. Railway services will continue to operate with 70% occupancy under strict Covid-19 protocols subject to following of all SOPs with passengers and staff duly vaccinated,” the notification added.

The home department added that all amusement parks, water sports and swimming pools can continue activities at 50pc capacity.

District administration may impose smart lockdowns in specified areas within their jurisdiction with stringent Covid protocols based on risk assessment. It shall implement targeted smart lockdowns or micro smart lockdowns.

The order will be implemented from September 16 to September 30.