Punjab decides to close markets across province before Eidul Azha

LAHORE (92 News) - The Punjab government has decided to close all markets across the province before Eidul Azha to control spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Sunday. This suggestion was purposed in a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique to review the measures against the coronavirus ahead of Eidul Azha. The meeting has decided to impose lockdown in the coronavirus hot spot areas in different cities of the province on the occasion of Eidul Azha. The meeting also discussed the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) in cattle markets. The meeting agreed that the Deputy Commissioners will decide to extend working hours for cattle markets in different cities of Punjab. The Punjab government had earlier imposed smart lockdown on COVID-19 hotspots in four cities of the province. According to a notification issued by the primary and secondary healthcare department secretary, ‘Smart lockdown’ was imposed in different areas of Sialkot, Wah Cantt, Gujrat and Gujranwala. On the other hand, shops of essential commodities will remain open in the areas for the convenience of the masses.  However, the cities will face restrictions on movement under smart lockdown strategy.