LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar announced on Monday that effective lockdowns will be imposed in districts reporting COVID-19 positivity rate more than 12 per cent from April 1 in order to control the spread of disease.
The chief minister was taking to media after chairing a meeting of cabinet committee on coronavirus. He said that the lockdown will remain in place till April 11, adding that the situation will be reviewed by the committee after one week.
However, he clarified that no curbs will be imposed on business activities and industrial sector. The chief minister further said that transport, constructions, and other business sectors will continue to operate with strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He went on to say that wedding events and all other gatherings are banned across the province, adding that the committee had decided to suspend the services of mass transit transport system, including Orange Line Metro Train, Metro Bus Services and Speedo bus service.
Parks has been closed, he said, adding that sporting, cultural and social activities have also been banned in the province.
The Punjab government has also banned indoor and outdoor dining at all restaurants and hotels while takeaway and home delivery will remain continued.
Timing for business activities has been reduced to 6pm while shops will remain closed two days a week, Buzdar said.
He asked people to follow the SOPs strictly in order to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. He said that ensure wearing of face masks at public places to protect themselves from the infection.
He said that Lahore reported 21% positivity rate during the last 24 hours, adding that the third wave is more intensive than previous two phases.
