Sindh extends coronavirus restrictions for another two weeks as situation worsens

• Sindh task force on coronavirus extends coronavirus restrictions for2 weeks as cases increase.
• CM Murad Ali Shah warns of even stricter restrictions if COVID-19 infection rate doesn't improve.
• Earlier, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho had said she expects the rate of coronavirus cases to increase in the coming days because of Eid travel.

KARACHI:  The Sindh government has decided to maintain the coronavirus restrictions imposed in the province for another two weeks amid rising virus cases.

A meeting of the Coronavirus Task Force was held under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, with provincial ministers, medical experts, police officials, and other officials in attendance.

The Sindh health secretary, briefing the meeting, said during the last seven days, from May 15 to 21, Karachi's District East posted a 27% infection rate, District South 15%, District Central 13%, while Districts Korangi, West, and Malir 10% each.

Read more: Karachi may go under strict lockdown due to rise in COVID-19 cases, say sources

Similarly, during the said week, Hyderabad and Dadu posted a positivity ratio of 11%.

Cases nearly doubled in Sindh

The meeting was further informed that 213 patients died from the virus in the last 30 days, out of which 164 patients were on ventilator, and 26 patients died at home.

The Sindh CM said a total of 24,299 tests were conducted in Sindh, out of which 2,136 new cases were reported. The rate of cases has been steadily rising since Eid.

Before Eid, on May 13, the daily cases stood at 1,232, while in the last 24 hours, the cases had reached 2,136, with a positivity ratio of 8.8%, CM Shah said.

Read more: Sindh health minister expects major rise in COVID-19 cases due to Eid travel

According to Health Minister Azra Pechuho, who attended the meeting, 2,076 cases were reported on May 19 and 2,136 on May 21.

Tourist centers, Seaview, Hawke's Bay beaches closed

According to the Sindh CM's spokesperson, it was decided that tourist centers, Seaview and Hawke's Bay beaches and amusement parks will remain closed for another two weeks.

Walking tracks, however, will be kept open in Sindh.

Shops will be open until 6pm

According to the spokesperson, starting Monday, shops will remain open till 6pm under the SOPs and department stores will also remain open till 6pm.

All wedding halls in the province will remain closed, indoor and outdoor dining in hotels will remain closed. However, takeaways will be allowed.

Fate of schools to be decided when situation improves

It was decided in the meeting that intercity transport will run with 50% passengers and any violation in intercity transport restrictions will be penalized.

According to the spokesperson, the decision to open schools in the province will be taken after the situation improves.

In addition to this, the education minister has been asked to get teachers vaccinated.