Sindh CM hints at complete lockdown, restrictions in Punjab tightened further
Last updated on: 28 March,2020 01:05 pm
Sindh CM hints at complete lockdown in the province.
KARACHI/LAHORE (Dunya News) – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has on Saturday hinted at complete lockdown in the province whereas restrictions in Punjab have been tightened further, Dunya News reported.
Murad Ali Shah has stressed that the coronavirus pandemic cannot be controlled without implementing strict strictures. While expressing concerns over increasing number of local cases, he ordered the authorities to not let people come out on streets unnecessarily.
Furthermore, the Sindh government has decided to close all shops at 05:00 PM instead of 08:00 PM.
On the other hand, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has ordered that general and grocery stores will remain open from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM. The rule applies on all shops of essential items.
The CM said, “The rule will be implemented from Saturday (today) and no one will be allowed to violate it. The locomotion of goods transport has been allowed on the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Movement of passenger transport will remain halted.”
Usman Buzdar directed the officials to tighten scrutiny in hotspot places across the province including Lahore, limit the movement after identifying the most sensitive areas regarding coronavirus and implement the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He instructed the authorities to ensure the availability of flour and other essential items and to finalize the arrangements to provide ration to the poor.
“The Punjab government is preparing an economic package for the most deserving people,” he said while adding, “the standing committee headed by finance minister will give a briefing in this regard today.”
“The availability of testing kits in the province and personal protection equipment for doctors, nurses and paramedical staff will be ensured.”
The Punjab Home Department said in a notification that petrol pumps, LPG shops, medical stores, wheat grinding (aata Chakki) shops and tandoors are allowed to remain open after 08:00 PM.
Meat shops, bakeries, auto workshops, departmental and grocery stores, and milk shops will remain open from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM, the notification read.