Govt imposes lockdown in Lahore from midnight to combat COVID-19

In the light of the directions of the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC), the Punjab government has decided to impose lockdown in areas with potential Covid-19 hotspots in seven cities of the province to control the fast-growing number of coronavirus cases.

The NCOC issued directions regarding lockdown in 20 cities across the country, including seven of Punjab. The cities of Punjab include Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Gujarat.

Chief Secretary Punjab Jawwad Rafique Malik issued orders regarding the implementation of the NCOC directives. There will be a lockdown in Lahore from midnight today (Tuesday) while in other cities from 12 night tomorrow (Wednesday). Police would be deployed at the entry and exit points of the areas to be placed under restrictions while Army and Rangers would be on standby.

The Chief Secretary Punjab said that it has been decided to give powers to the deputy commissioners to lock down the areas worst hit by the coronavirus in their respective districts. He said that the list of affected areas would be released in the media before the lockdown for the guidance of the people. He said that the services of the Tiger Force would be taken to help the people affected by the lockdown.

He said that civil and police officers would have to work together to implement SOPs for the prevention of coronavirus, adding that 3,000 police personnel would be deployed in the areas to be in lockdown in Lahore. The Chief Secretary directed the officers to ensure the availability of essential commodities and access to medical staff to the citizens during the lockdown.

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