KP imposes new restrictions to dampen spread of coronavirus

Dunya News

KP imposes new restrictions to dampen spread of coronavirus

PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - Following an alarming increase in coronavirus cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the government has been decided to impose further restrictions across the province.

According to details, a meeting of the Provincial Task Force on Corona was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan in which besides the concerned provincial ministers, Corps Commander Peshawar, Chief Secretary, IG and other senior officials took part.

The meeting expressed concern over the rising rate of positive cases across the province and decided to ensure strict implementation of SOPs and other precautionary measures.

It was decided that staff attendance in government offices would be kept below 50% while visitors in district administration including civil secretariat and other government offices would be completely disallowed.

In addition, it was decided to tighten the implementation of Corona SOPs in rural areas. The services of clerics will be sought to ensure the implementation of SOPs in Taraweeh prayers and funerals. They will also persuade people not to use loudspeakers for funeral announcements.

It has been decided to close all markets across the province after 6 pm. All shops will remain closed except for medical stores, petrol pumps, tandoors and dairy shops. Free masks will be distributed at major markets, utility stores, Ehsaas Cash Points and other crowded places.

There will be a complete ban on outdoor dining and only takeaways will be allowed. There will be two safe days in a week, Saturday and Sunday. The meeting also considered banning tourists from visiting tourist places till Eid.

It was decided at the meeting that assistance would be sought from the Pakistan Army to help the police in implementing SOPs in more sensitive districts.