Keeping in view the slide in the number of coronavirus cases in the province, the Punjab government on Thursday decided to relax smart lockdowns, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

According to the fresh directives, markets in the province will now remain open till 10:00 PM, and businesses and shopping centers will remain closed only on Sundays.

Similarly, indoor and outdoor dining will be allowed till 12 at midnight. 

Likewise, shrines have also been opened for the public.  

Taking notice of surge in the coronavirus cases in the province, the Punjab government had, on August 27, extended lockdown in 11 districts, including Lahore and Rawalpindi till September 15, 2021.

Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch had issued a notification in this regard.

Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Mianwali, Khoshab, and Raheem Yar Khan Districts were included in the list.

The healthcare department had extended the lockdown on the recommendations of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) and the Punjab government.

During the lockdown in all these 11 districts, markets would be closed at 8 pm and other restrictions already issued by the government would be followed strictly.