All educational institutions in Sindh will remain closed till the COVID-19 situation in the province gets better said Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Sunday.
While addressing a press conference, he said that the infection rate in Karachi has climbed above 13 per cent during Eid holidays.
The main reason for this spike is the violation of SOPs. On Friday, Sindh reported over 2,000 cases, an increase of 30pc from last week.
“At this point in time we can’t afford any relaxations,” he pointed out. “This is the time of caution and we will take difficult decisions if we have to.”
Beds at major hospitals in the province such as the Aga Khan Hospital, Indus Hospital, and Sindh Infectious Disease Hospital are reaching their capacity.
On Saturday, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired a meeting of the Coronavirus Task Force. 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.
