In an important development, the Punjab government on Saturday decided not to relax lockdown in the five large cities of the province because of the rise in the coronavirus cases, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala and Rawalpindi would be affected by this decision, while the lockdown is to be relaxed in smaller cities and towns.

According to the Punjab Home Department, the lockdown would be tightened in the cities where the virus is spreading at an alarming rate.

Meanwhile, the lockdown is being eased in other areas where small shops and markets would remain open for four days in a week.

The Home Department also said that no decision had been taken about opening the large markets and shopping malls.

The Home Department said strict measures were being adopted in Lahore and Multan due to the coronavirus spread.

Moreover, the relevant deputy commissioners, police chiefs and the traders’ bodies will hold a meeting to make a decision on reopening the other shops and markets.