Sindh reduces market business hours as coronavirus cases rise

Dunya News

Only 300 guests are allowed at wedding ceremonies.

KARACHI (Dunya News) – In a bid to curb spread of coronavirus in Sindh, provincial government has reduced business hours and has directed to close all markets by 10pm.

According to the notification issued by Sindh Interior Ministry, buffet at marriage has been banned; however, wedding ceremonies with upper limit of 300 guests are allowed till 10pm in the province.

The government has also made wearing of masks at all public and private places mandatory. All offices have also been directed to function on 50 percent staff while remaining staff will work from home.

The smart lockdown, which is applicable till April 15, has also banned indoor dining at hotels and restaurants; however eateries are allowed to offer takeaway and home delivery services.

On the other hand, Punjab has also imposed a major lockdown in seven cities from today (Monday). The lockdown will remain in force for a period of two weeks in the cities of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala and Gujrat.

The notification issued by the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department said that there has been a constant increase in positivity percentage in Covid-19 cases in the province which poses a serious threat to public health.

According to the notification, the major lockdown will restrict the movement of the people; there will be a complete ban on gatherings of all kinds for social, religious or other purposes at any place, public or private; marriage and banquet halls, community centres and marquees will remain closed; and also a complete ban on indoor and outdoor dining while only takeaway and home delivery will be allowed.

All markets and bazaars shall be closed by 6:00pm in these seven cities on weekdays while there will be a complete shutter down on Saturdays and Sundays.

However, hospitals, medical stores, bakeries, general stores, milk shops, meat and chicken shops, tandoors, fruit and vegetables shops and petrol pumps are exempted from these restrictions.