No commercial activities in seven virus-hit cities of Punjab after 6pm

According to details, a notification has been issued by the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department in which it is stated that all markets and shops in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sargodha will close at 6:00pm, while grocery stores, medical stores, laboratories and pharmacies will remain open 24 hours a day.

As per Secretary Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, Captain (Retd.) Usman, the provincial government has also banned wedding ceremonies (in both marquees and halls), sports activities and public gatherings these seven cities from March 15 to March 29, where the coronavirus positivity rate is more than 5 percent.

Moreover, all fruits, dairy and vegetable shops will also be expe,mted from the ban along with tire puncture, workshops and spare parts shops.

Indoor dining has been banned in all restaurants and only takeaways are allowed. All shrines and cinema halls will remain closed until further decision, whereas parks will be closed at 6 pm.

Half of the staff in the offices would work from home and the rest of the officials would be allowed to perform their duties in the offices.

It has been decided to limit the number of passengers in public transport, especially the metro bus service and the Orange Line metro train.

District administration will liaise with police to enforce restrictions across the province.

Capt (Retd.) Muhammad Usman urged everyone to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to control third wave before it spreads.