(Karachi) The government has imposed smart lockdown in 20 areas of Gujranwala after a surge in coronavirus cases surfaced in the district, local media reported on Sunday.

The health department stated that the tally of coronavirus patients in the district has reached to 393.

A statement issued by Gujranwala deputy commissioner said that the administration will enforce coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) at all costs. “All shops in the district will be closed by 6:00 PM except the shops of essential items and medical stores,” the DC said.

There will be a complete ban on all kinds of holding gatherings at public and private places in affected areas.

Take-away has been allowed at hotels and restaurants while schools, cinema halls, parks and shrines will remain closed for two weeks.

Meanwhile, a ban has been imposed on all commercial activities in Lahore after 10pm in the wake of the third wave of the coronavirus.

In a letter issued by the deputy commissioner Lahore office, the ban enforced on the directions of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Punjab to remain enforced until April 15.

The theater owners have also been directed to ensure the closure of their theaters by 10 pm, else strict action would be taken over the violation

Five districts in Punjab have been declared as "high risk" after the coronavirus spread in the province increased.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said that the coronavirus variant first detected in the United Kingdom is causing a rise in infections in the province.

She stated that the UK variant is spreading fast because it’s more infectious. The influx of people travelling back from the UK has resulted in a rise in infections in Lahore, Jhelum, Okara, Gujarat and other cities.

She claimed that around 70 percent of the COVID-19 cases being reported in these cities are of the new variant.