The Sindh government has refused to relax anti-virus restrictions across the province in the light of an alarming surge in coronavirus infections, with Karachi accounting for over 13 per cent of infections.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired a meeting of the Coronavirus Task Force on Saturday. During the meeting, which was attended by provincial ministers, medical experts, police officials, it was decided to extend the lockdown for two more weeks.
The Sindh health secretary informed the meeting that Karachi and Hyderabad accounted for 13.9% and 10% infections, respectively. It was further apprised that at least 213 people died of coronavirus in the past 30 days. The meeting was also expressed concerns that the cases were rising steadily after Eid. The Sindh CM said that a total of 24,299 samples were tested in Sindh in which 2,136 new cases were reported.
According to the Sindh CM’s spokesperson, it was decided that tourist centers, Seaview and Hawke’s Bay beaches and amusement parks will remain closed for another two weeks. Unlike the National Command and Operation Centre that allowed the shops to operate till 8pm, the Sindh government said that shops will close at 6pm.
All wedding halls in the province will remain closed, indoor and outdoor dining in hotels will remain closed. However, takeaways will be allowed, it was decided during the meeting.
It may be noted here that the NCOC headed by Federal Minister Asad Umar had allowed outdoor weddings, outdoor dining, tourism as the federal government relaxed restrictions. Schools in parts of Punjab and Islamabad will resume classes from next week as well.
In Sindh, however, the schools were remain closed till the situation comes under control.
It was decided in the meeting that intercity transport will run with 50 per cent passengers and any violation in intercity transport restrictions will be penalised.
