The Karachi administration on Wednesday sealed a number of major markets and shopping centres and at least three stores in the port city for violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the government before easing the coronavirus lockdown for traders and the public.
“These shops have been sealed as they were violating the SOPs despite warnings and my personal visits to all these markets,” the Karachi commissioner said in a statement. He warned that the businesses of shopkeepers who do not implement the government-mandated SOPs will be sealed.
Areas around wholesale markets in Karachi saw heavy traffic jams, and there were also big crowds in the commercial centres of Lahore and Quetta. In numerous places, many people were seen not observing the government-issued guidelines to prevent further spread of Covid-19, including by not wearing masks and not maintaining a physical distance.
On Tuesday, speakers at a press conference in Karachi had expressed serious concerns over the irresponsible conduct of citizens following relaxation in the lockdown and described it as ‘a public health disaster in the making’.
Meanwhile, Balochistan government has warned to tighten lockdown measures again if the violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) continues in any parts of the province. The spokesperson of Balochistan government said in a statement that traders have been reminded to strictly follow the SOPs against Covid-19. The government will issue notification for re-imposition of strict lockdown measures if people failed to implement the SOPs, he said. The spokesperson also warned that the authorities will immediately seal the markets besides taking action if virus spreads due to negligence in implementing the precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) Wednesday asked all the provincial representatives to ensure strict compliance of SOPs amid public awareness to follow the guidelines to contain the risk of Covid-19 pandemic spread.
The NCOC in a meeting chaired by Minister for Planning Asad Umar discussed the post-May 9 situation at the provincial level. The provincial chief secretaries including Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) apprised the forum that safety guidelines and protocols are being shared with the masses. They also mentioned that the public presence in markets has increased due to Eid shopping whereas it is necessary to adhere to the safety guidelines issued for the masses while going outdoors.
Speaking on the occasion, Asad Umar noted that provinces should ensure effective compliance of the safety protocols as it is the only effective tool to contain the risk of pandemic spread in the country.
