LAHORE: Pakistan on Saturday reported 253 deaths from novel coronavirus while the total number of cases across the country surged to 11,940.
According to details, another 5,046 patients have been tested positive for the epidemic in Punjab, 3,945 in Sindh, 1,708 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 656 in Balochistan, 307 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 223 in Islamabad and 55 in Azad Kashmir.
So far, 2,755 patients have recovered in the country.
Federal government on Friday extended the countrywide lockdown for the next two weeks citing fears of spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) with Prime Minster Imran Khan in chair.
Asad Umar said the the provincial governments will decide on their own regarding extension in lockdown.
Punjab Government has decided to extend the province-wide lockdown by 15 more days. Milk shops will be allowed to open during Iftar and Sehr but mass Iftar gatherings would be banned.
This important decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.
The meeting reviewed in-detail the spread of coronavirus, steps taken to control it and other related issues.
The meeting decided to extend lockdown by 15 days directing that roadside mass iftar gatherings would be prohibited but shops of milk, samosas, pakoras etc would be allowed to open at times of Sehr and Iftar.
Sindh government has issued SOPs for the month of Ramadan, according to which Taraweeh prayers will be offered only at homes and grocery stores and vegetable shops will only be allowed to open from 8:00 am till 5:00 pm.
According to Sindh governemnt’s directive, milk shops can remain open till 8:00 pm while stalls selling traditional Ramadan eatables such as samosas, pakoras and fruit salads will be disallowed to operate, except for home delivery.
Moreover, leaving homes from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm will be prohibited and restaurants will be able to provide home delivery and drive-through services till 10:00 pm, whereas, takeaway will not be allowed.
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(With input from INP)
