Nine more areas of Lahore while two of Multan came under smart lockdowns on Monday after a surge in the number of coronavirus cases was reported from these areas, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Sara Aslam, areas of Lahore where smart lockdowns have been imposed are Cavalry Ground, Punjab Employees Housing Society, F and E blocks of Model Town, Data Ganj Bux Town, Raj Garh, Chauhan Road, Shadman Colony No 1, Islampura and Shah Jamal, Icchra.

While in Multan, smart lockdowns have been imposed on Pir Colony and Ashraf Colony.

All shopping malls, restaurants, private and government offices will remain closed in the areas which have come under fresh lockdowns. “However, pharmacies, medical stores, laboratories, collection points, clinics and hospitals will be exempted from the restrictions and remain open 24/7, while milk shops, meat shops and bakeries will remain open from 7: 00 AM to 7: 00 PM,” she clarified.        

She said furthermore grocery stores, general stores, shops selling fruits and vegetables, tandoors and petrol pumps will remain open from 9 AM to 7 PM.  

Sara told the media that movement of people would be limited in the areas where smart lockdowns had been imposed, and only one person would be allowed to ride a bike or drive a car in case of an emergency. “There will be a ban on all types of gatherings,” she elaborated.  

Reporter: Zahid Chaudhry