COVID-19: Sindh set new SOPs for markets and business centers

As the COVID-19 infection rate spike in Sindh, the government has set new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of the dread virus.

According to the new SOPs markets and business, centers will be allowed to stay open 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and remain closed on weekends.

Sindh Home Department said that all cinemas, shrines, and gyms will be closed. Only essential services will be allowed to stay open on weekends. The relevant deputy commissioners have been directed to ensure compliance with the orders.

Moreover, the notification also makes wearing masks mandatory for government and private offices and public places. The government and private offices would only allow 50 percent of employees to work at a time while the remaining would return to work on the basis of regular rotations.

Outdoor weddings including weddings are restricted to 200 guests – closed-door marquees and buffets have been banned. The food will be served in packets and the function has to be over by 9:00 pm.

In addition to this, Commissioner Iftikhar Shalwani also banned indoor dining at hotels and restaurants. The food must be served outdoors. Dining has to end by 10:00 pm but delivery would be allowed.

Only open-air restaurants have been allowed to continue dine-in services, the order states.

He said that new restrictions will help in controlling the spread of the virus. The Karachi commissioner has directed all deputy commissioners of the city to ensure the implementation of new orders.

Earlier on November 22, Karachi had witnessed a micro and smart lockdown in various parts after a steady increase in Coronavirus cases. Only grocery shops, convenience stores, and pharmacies allowed to remain open during specific timings, the order stated.

The streets of affected areas have closed with the deployment of policemen.

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