'Unnecessary movement' in Karachi restricted after 6pm as Sindh tightens Covid SOPs

(Karachi) In wake of the rising number of Covid-19 cases, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has instructed Karachi police to restrict 'unnecessary movement' in the city after 6 pm from today (Tuesday), as the federal government announced its cooperation with the provincial government.

In a statement on Tuesday, the chief minister issued instructions to the provincial police chief and Karachi commissioner to stop the public from driving around for reasons other than emergencies and crucial work. Later, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) endorsed steps being taken by the Sindh government to tackle Covid-19 across the province, and assured full cooperation at the federal level.

Murad also took notice of the fact that some tuition centres are operating in the metropolis despite a ban and ordered the officials to close all such educational institutes.

Harsh restrictions could be imposed if SOPs not followed: NCOC

The CM said that there will be no politics on Covid and all stakeholders will be taken on board in the current situation. He said that the coronavirus task force will monitor the situation again on July 30 (Friday) and will take appropriate measures if the Covid situation does not improve.

Earlier, Murad Ali Shah announced that restrictions across the province are being tightened amid a surge in Covid infections.

He said that the Covid-19 positivity ratio in Karachi has shot up which shows that the cases are on the rise since Eid.

Murad said that shops across the province would be open till 6 pm and only pharmacies would be allowed to remain open. The minister warned that action will be taken against shop owners in case of violation.

He stated that indoor and outdoor dining will be completely closed, and only takeaways and home deliveries will be allowed.

The CM mentioned that a ban on all kinds of events will remain in place, whereas recreational spots, parks, and cinema halls will remain closed till further notice.

On July 14, Sindh decided to close all educational institutions, amusement parks, Seaview and Keenjhar lake from July 16. The government also decided to shut down cinemas, indoor gyms and indoor sports.

Sindh reimposes restrictions as Covid-19 cases surge

With the spread of the coronavirus Delta variant, the situation in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, has been alarming as public and some private sector hospitals are reaching capacity.

According to the Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences at the University of Karachi, there is a 92.2 percent prevalence of the Delta variant in the city.

NCOC offers complete support to Sindh to help fight Covid-19

Meanwhile, the NCOC also endorsed on Tuesday steps being taken by the Sindh government to tackle Covid-19 across the province and assured full cooperation at the federal level.

The forum was informed about the deteriorating coronavirus situation in Karachi, the stress it is causing on the city's healthcare system, and the urgent to speed up the vaccination drive.

The forum was briefed that keeping in view the surge in cases, NCOC and the Sindh government were closely monitoring the situation.

Coronavirus positivity rate ratio in Karachi has reached 26.32% whereas the number of patients under treatment in intensive care has reached 980.