Sindh government, despite easing coronavirus lockdown, prohibited 10 sectors from resuming activities
KARACHI: The government of Sindh on Monday eased the lockdown imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic, allowing businesses to resume activities five days a week — barred Saturdays and Sundays — from 6am-7pm.
A notification issued from Sindh Home Department said: "Business timings except pharmacies and essential services — Five days per week (Monday-Friday) from Morning to Maghreb (6:00 am to 7:00 pm)."
However, the provincial government, despite easing the lockdown, has decided to prohibit 10 sectors from resuming their activities; these are as follows:
The order has come into effect and would remain valid till June 30, 2020.
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The move to reopen businesses in the province is part of Sindh's adherence to the Supreme Court's directive to formulate a uniform policy with regard to the coronavirus lockdown.
On the other hand, the Sindh government emphasised that "public transport shall be opened after [a] due meeting of transporters with Minister Transport scheduled for tomorrow".
Reminding the people to ensure standard operation procedures (SOPs) were followed, the notification added:
On the other hand, the Balochistan government decided to extend its "smart lockdown" for another 15 days to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Business timings in the province would be from 9am-7pm, while it has been declared mandatory for masses to wear masks.
Transport shall remain suspended, while educational institutions were to remain closed in the light of the federal government's decision.