The Punjab government has issued fresh guidelines for the business community, the public, private offices and Muharram processions in order to curb infectious delta coronavirus.
On Tuesday, while administering vaccine to a record 581,044 people in a day, the Punjab government issued fresh guidelines for the business community and private offices. The guidelines were issued mainly for Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi where the Punjab government had imposed complete lockdown on Monday night for reporting high positivity rate of the virus.
Read more: New restrictions to be imposed in major cities as COVID-19 cases rise
Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Secretary Sarah Aslam said that on the recommendations of the NCOC and the provincial government, some restrictions were made in the 4 districts, restrictions would come into effect from 3rd August and will remain in place until Aug 31.
She said Sunday would be observed a closed day for all business and commercial activities.
Pharmacies, medical stores, health centers, vaccination centers, petrol pumps, tandoors, bakeries, dairy shops, food takeaways, e-commerce, courier postal services, gas, water and electricity offices, cellular companies, auto workshops, oil depots and markets (vegetables, fruits, grains & livestock) would be allowed to work 24 hours seven days a week.
“All business centers will be opened until 8pm. Office attendance has been reduced to 50%, while gyms to remain open only for vaccinated persons; also cinemas, shrines to remain completely closed during the lockdown,” the health secretary said.
Guidelines issued to curb Delta wave of coronavirus
- Moreover, the Punjab government had banned indoor dining, however, outdoor dining had been allowed till 10pm.
- Indoor weddings will be banned from Aug 8 and only outdoor events with a capacity of 400 people would be allowed until 10pm.
- All tourist destinations across the province were allowed to operate in accordance with SOPs. The recreation centers, amusement parks, swimming pools, contact sports (martial arts, kabaddi and rugby), cultural festivals and gatherings would be completely closed.
- All public transport would be allowed to run with a capacity of 50% except for freight cars, ambulances, and medical vehicles.
- There would be a complete ban on all types of refreshments during the trips.
- The train service would continue with 70% of the total capacity, however, sectors of industry and agriculture would be exempted.
About Muharram, the Punjab health secretary said separate guidelines had been issued for safe conduct of this annual religious event.
“While observing the important component of faith, detailed guidelines have been issued assessing the Covid 19 delta variant fourth wave,” she said. She urged the mourners to follow Covid guidelines during Majalis and processions and use masks and hand sanitizers.
