Smart lockdown imposed in parts of Karachi after COVID-19 surge

KARACHI: Local administration in the city has started implementation on the NCOC directives after it imposed smart lockdown in seven union councils of a Karachi district amid rising COVID-19 case, ARY NEWS reported.

According to details, the notification for a smart lockdown has been issued by the deputy commissioner Kemari, restricting movement in three sub-divisions and seven union councils (UCs) of the city.

The notification highlighted that the micro lockdown would remain in place for 14 days from August 11 to 24 in light of the recommendations from the district health officer.

National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) announced to lift lockdown imposed in the Sindh province from August 09 while continuing with other restrictions on movement.

The Sindh province announced to impose lockdown in the province from July 31 until August 08 citing a spike in COVID-19 cases.

“Smart lockdown should be imposed in areas witnessing higher positivity ratio rather than a complete shutdown,” the NCOC said while also lauding the Sindh government’s measures that helped improve the vaccination process.

Earlier in the day, the government of Punjab also decided to impose micro-smart lockdown in 100 areas of Rawalpindi, another city after Karachi that is badly hit during the fourth wave.

Provincial secretary health Sara Aslam has stated that micro smart lockdown being imposed in 100 spots to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus in the district.

The government has decided to restrict movement in Rawalpindi till August 19, top health official said.

“All markets, restaurants, government and private offices will remain closed in the hot spots of the coronavirus,” secretary health said.