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Intensifies lockdown as Punjab decides to close shops, markets by 5pm

Intensifies lockdown as Punjab decides to close shops, markets by 5pm
April 1, 2020
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.
Partial lockdown
On the other hand, partial lockdown imposed across the country as educational institutions, shopping malls, markets, restaurants, and other private business remained closed while inter-provincial and inter-city transport was also suspended. Factories, banks and the financial sector was directed to reduce work hours. The government has barred elder people and children from offering Friday prayers at mosques and issued guidelines for making lines with a specific distance. The novel coronavirus – which originated in the central China city of Wuhan towards the end of December 2019 – has spread to all continents excluding Antarctica. The COVID-19 respiratory illness caused by the mysterious contagion has so far killed thousands of people and infected tens of thousands of others across the globe.