-Death toll rises to 8 as Punjab reports second casualty
-Capital placed under complete lockdown
-Mardan’s UC Manga reports 39 new COVID-19 cases
By Uzma Zafar
ISLAMABAD: The Sindh government on Wednesday confirmed new coronavirus cases, taking the provincial total to 413 and the country’s overall tally to 1078.
Out of the total novel coronavirus cases, 413 were reported so far in Sindh, 323 in Punjab, 119 in Balochistan, 82 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 121 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whereas, 20 people were diagnosed with the deadly virus in federal capital Islamabad and one in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, five new cases were reported in Balochistan, taking the provincial tally to 115. A total of 18 patients have recovered while seven died from the COVID-19. The Sindh Health Department on Tuesday reported eight new cases in Karachi and five in Sukkur. There are a total of 141 coronavirus cases in the port city, of which 90 are of local transmission. A total of 265 cases have been detected in pilgrims quarantined in Sukkur on return from Iran via Taftan border, while one coronavirus positive patient emerged in Dadu.
The global tally of coronavirus cases reached to 413,896 around the world and 18,540 people lost their lives so far. 108,293 patients have recovered their health in virus-hit countries.
It may be noted that Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday announced a multi-billion package involving relief for labour and underprivileged class, business community and industries amid shutdown in various parts of the country out of coronavirus fears.
While addressing a group of mediamen along with Special Assistant to PM on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan, the prime minister said that they have earmarked Rs 200 billion for labour class and are also in touch with the provinces and business community to
devise a strategy as to how they could facilitate federal government in the process.
“We will also defer the payments of interests to be made from both these sectors [small industries and agriculture],” he said while announcing a relief after coronavirus wreaked havoc on business activities countrywide. The prime minister announced Rs 150 billion package for poor segments of the society under which each household would be given Rs 3000 for the next four months. The lockdown to counter the coronavirus pandemic in Sindh on Wednesday been tightened further on day three as shops are allowed to remain open from 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM only.
Medical stores have been given exemption from the new restriction while shopping plazas and big markets in Karachi are closed as the Rangers have been deployed in the metropolis. Shopping malls, recreational places, private and government offices remain closed in Punjab. Only grocery stores, vegetable markets and milk shops are open in the province amidst deployment of heavy contingents of the police and Pakistan Army.
Partial lockdown in the federal capital is being observed as well as all markets, restaurants and transport are shut down. It has further been decided to keep the metro bus service functional from 08:00 AM to 10:30 AM and from 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM. It is pertinent here to mention that the implementation of lockdown in Punjab started at 09:00 AM yesterday.
Inter and intra city movement has been halted whereas social, religious and other gatherings are banned. All small and big markets are closed along with public transport and metro bus service. Pillion riding has been banned. The lockdown will continue till April 7, 09:00 AM.
According to the Punjab Home Department notification, security agencies, health department employees and journalists have been given exemption from the lockdown. Call centers are allowed to work with fifty percent workers and without any public dealing. Only those government employees are permitted to go outside who possess valid permits.
One person from a family is allowed to visit the market to buy essentials and two persons to buy medicine and grocery. Two individuals are allowed to remain with patient in case of emergency while two persons including a driver are permitted to move outside with disabled people. People are allowed to perform religious rituals such as funeral prayers and burial of the deceased. Welfare organizations like Edhi, Saylani and those who provide free meals remain functional. Banks have been allowed to operate with limited staff, however, their timings have been reduced from 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM. If any bank employee is tested positive for coronavirus, the branch will be shut down but ATM and online services will not be halted. All bank employees are directed to keep their CNIC and employment card with them.
Balochistan will remain under lockdown till April 7 and the provincial government has barred unnecessary movement. Markets and public transport in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also shut as people have been directed by the government to isolate themselves at homes. Pakistan Army has been deployed across the country after the lockdown. The interior ministry said in its notification that the civil administration had requested for the army’s help. Contingents of Pakistan Army are performing duties in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
