Sindh prepares for lockdown as coronavirus cases rise to 396

The Sindh government has decided to impose a lockdown in the entire province from Sunday in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah would make an announcement about duration and nature of the lockdown later.

Also on Saturday, the Sindh government asked for army's help in principle to deal with the situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak in the province.

According to the sources, a decision in this regard was taken at a high live meeting on Saturday after consultations with civil and military leadership. The sources said people would be allowed to come out only for solid reason and those violating the lockdown would be arrested. Medical and grocery stores, petrol pumps, milk shops, naanbai shops and auto workshops would remain open during the lockdown.

Sindh Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said the lockdown was not wish of the government; it was being imposed keeping in view gravity of the situation. He said that all private and public business activities would remain suspended during the lockdown. He said that a final meeting on the lockdown would be held on Sunday. He said that a strategy would be developed on how to work and help people in need of help during the lockdown.