Intensifies lockdown as Punjab decides to close shops, markets by 5pm
LAHORE (92 News) – Punjab has decided to close all its shops and markets by 5pm to intensify the lockdown to curb the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak across the province.
The decision was taken by Usman Buzdar after emerging new cases of the coronavirus speedily in the province. All shops and markets have been instructed to operate from 9am to 5pm.
Meanwhile, this restriction won’t be placed on medical stores and pharmacies.
On the other hand, the number of total coronavirus (COVID-19) cases reached 2039 across the country till Wednesday after diagnosing 178 new cases within 24 hours.
According to National Command and Control Authority, the nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients reached 2039 with 676 cases in Sindh, 708 in Punjab, 158 in Balochistan, 253 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 184 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 54 in Islamabad and six in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
As many as 10 patients are in critical condition, while 82 patients have recovered from the infection.
The virus claimed Pakistan’s 26th life till March 31 in the country.