Shopping malls, recreational spots to remain closed for two days in Punjab

New measures have been introduced in Punjab to contain coronavirus in Pakistan.

LAHORE (Dunya News) – With coronavirus cases surpassing 100 in the province today (Saturday), the Punjab government has decided to keep all shopping malls and recreational spots closed to prevent people from gathering in large numbers.

In a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said all shopping malls will remain closed from 9:00pm tonight till 9:00am on Tuesday. Meanwhile, he said medical stores, vegetable market, bakeries, milk shops and poulty shops will remain open.

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The Chief Minister said there is no restriction on public transport as well. He said a committee headed by the finance minister is reviewing economic package.

CM Buzdar requested public to stay indoors during next two weeks and maintain social distancing to mitigate COVID-19 spread in the community.  

ANTI-CORONAVIRUS MEASURES IN BALOCHISTAN

On Friday, Balochistan government announced that all shopping malls, markets and restaurants the province will remain closed for a period of three weeks. All inter-provincial public transport will remain suspended for the next three weeks. Public transport buses within the cities would also not be able to ply the roads during this period.

However, restaurants are allowed to deliver food.

Watch message from Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal:

MEASURES IN SINDH

On March 17, the Government of Sindh announced the closure of shopping malls and restaurants for 15 days. Public parks, as well as Karachi’s Sea View, would also remain closed.

Meanwhile, grocery stores, vegetable stores, and fish and chicken markets will remain open.

The people will not be allowed to dine-in but they can take-away and order food at home.

CONFIRMED CORONAVIRUS CASES

Since confirmation of first two coronavirus cases in Pakistan on February 26, over 500 patients have been tested positive in the country till March 21, three have died and five persons have recovered. 

READ MORE: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan surge to 543

After emerging in Wuhan, China last December, the novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has spread to at least 123 countries and territories.

The global death toll is now over 11,000, with more than 270,000 confirmed cases.