Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar has announced a 14-day lockdown across Punjab amid coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking at a press conference, CM Usman Buzdar stated, “The lockdown will begin on March 24 and end on April 6. “During this time shopping malls, public transport, public places and tourist spots will remain closed. In the larger interest of the public, we have also banned pillion riding, although families will be exempted.”
The decision comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases have reached a tally of 804 in Pakistan, with 225 cases reported in Punjab.
According to the chief minister, grocery stores, fruit markets, bakeries and meat shops and factories producing medical supplies and accessories will be exempted from the lockdown.
Earlier, Punjab government had imposed section 144 for three weeks to curb the spread of coronavirus in the province.
Sindh government has already imposed a 15-day lockdown due to a surge in locally transmitted coronavirus cases in the province. Sindh has reported a total of 352 confirmed coronavirus cases so far.