Youngsters observe COVID-19 lockdown as fun holiday

Despite putting Sindh province into a 15-day lockdown to avoid further spread of COVID-19, the citizens appeared irresponsible on the first day of the restriction, dragging governmental drastic efforts at risk.
It was witnessed that many of Karachiites especially youth took this lockdown, due to pandemic, which has already infected hundreds of thousands of people across the globe, as fun holiday. Pedestrian movements, sports activities, and private gatherings were witnessed on streets and playgrounds of various city neighborhoods all the day long.
The government has frequently asked people to stay at homes, restrict unnecessary movements to protect themselves from the virus. Buying panic was also witnessed at grocery stores, retail outlets, medical stores, bakeries etc. across the city.
Due to suspension of intercity transport, passengers thronged to railway stations, making it difficult for the PR authorities to enforce the medical standing operating procedures (SOPs) in the backdrop of the pandemic.
As per the provincial government's latest figures, tally of coronavirus patients has reached to 394 that include 134 in Karachi/other districts, 151 of pilgrims of Sukkur in Phase-I, and 109 of Sukkur Phase-II.
However, the traffic on the city roads remained thin with heavy deployment of law enforcers including police, paramilitary rangers and the personnel of Pakistan Army at various points to implement law. They were allowing motorists only after their verification through checking their ID and employee cards.
Meanwhile, police took into custody dozens of people for violating the law and lodged FIRs against them.
On Sunday, the Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah while announcing the lockdown said the offices, gathering places, public transport and bus stands would remain closed. "Nobody will be allowed to come out of his home unnecessarily for which I have given clear instructions to the law enforcement agencies and the administration," he said.
Shah said that the people who have to go to hospital would be allowed but the vehicle carrying them would have only three persons, driver, the patient and one attendant and they should have their CNIC. He also said that during the relaxation time of the lockdown, to be announced by the government, only one person would be allowed to go to market/shop. In case of using vehicle, only two persons would be allowed, the driver and the person going for shopping.