Punjab observes partial lockdown amid coronavirus outbreak

F.P. Report

LAHORE: The province of Punjab on Tuesday has witnessed first day of 14-day lockdown in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

According to details, all the government and private offices, shopping malls and recreational places will be closed while ban has also been imposed on pillion riding.

The grocery stores, vegetable market, pharmacies and milk shops will remain open. However, only two people have been permitted to visit the market for shopping of eatables.

Two persons have been allowed to go with the patient to hospitals or health care centers. Factories manufacturing and supplying eatables, medicines, medical equipment and necessary items will also remain open.

The officials of Health Ministry, security agencies and media houses have been exempted from this lockdown as no restrictions are applicable on them.

Essential service providers including WASA, WAPDA and telecom companies will continue to work and Edhi and other welfare organizations are also permitted to carry on with their tasks.

Earlier, Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar told that the decision of lockdown from 24th March 9:00am to 6th April 9:00am was made in the cabinet committee for anti-coronavirus.

Sardar Buzdar announced that line departments will perform their duties in case of any violation as section 144 is imposed in the province.

The CM also paid tributes to Pakistan Army, civil administration, medical staff and local bodies employees and media for performing their duties in this hour of trial.