Micro-smart lockdowns imposed in several areas amid surge in coronavirus cases

Authorities on Monday imposed micro smart lockdowns in several areas across the metropolis as coronavirus infections continue to surge in the port city.

Micro smart lockdowns have been imposed in seven union councils of Karachi's District West, according to a notification from the deputy commissioner.

The notification said that a ban has been imposed on pillion riding, events, and commercial activities during the lockdown period.

The lockdown will come into effect on December 29 and will stay in place till January 11, 2021, stated the notification. 

General stores where groceries and basic necessities are available as well as medical stores will remain open, the notification said. However, industrial units in these areas will be closed.

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If a person has to go to the hospital, only one person will be allowed to travel with him. Online taxis and other forms of public transport have been banned from the areas. 

"The government will provide necessary rations in these [affected] areas," the notification added.

Meanwhile, authorities, have imposed smart lockdowns in Korangi district's five UCs, a notification said, adding that it would be imposed from Dec 29-Jan 12.

The areas are in three sub-divisions of the district — Korangi, Shah Faisal, and Model Colony.

A day earlier, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah revealed that Karachi had reported 845 infections in a single day while Sindh reported 1,035 cases of the infection.

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Three hundred and four cases were reported in District East, 212 South, 169 Central, 107 Korangi, 30 West, and 23 Malir.