Emergency imposed across Sindh as national coronavirus tally reaches 31

The Sindh government on Saturday imposed a health emergency across the province after three new coronavirus cases were reported in the country.

During the emergency, all marriage halls, shrines, and cinemas will remain closed for the next three weeks.

“All marriage halls, banquet halls, marquees and cinemas shall remain closed with immediate effect till it is reviewed after 3 weeks,” read a statement from the provincial government.

“All religious and social congregations and ceremonies shall remain restricted till further orders,” the statement further read.

The notification directed officials to “restrict hospital visitors and curtail visiting hours.”

Read also: Schools, colleges, universities in Sindh to remain closed till May 30

Karachi has been the worst affected city so far, with 17 of the total confirmed cases. Of the remaining, five cases have been reported in Gilgit-Baltistan and one case has been reported each in Hyderabad and Quetta.

The epicentre of the outbreak has now shifted to Europe, which is recording a rapid rise in new cases every day.

Sindh govt issues advisory for public places

Separately, the provincial government has advised careful use of available resources given a potential large-scale outbreak of the coronavirus.

Read also: Latest news on the coronavirus outbreak from Pakistan and around the world

Prayer leaders have also been asked to spread awareness about the coronavirus during Friday sermons and after daily prayers.

Schools, colleges, universities in Sindh to remain closed till May 30

Earlier, on Thursday, the Sindh government announced that the educational institutes across the province will remain closed till May 30, 2020.

"Summer vacations are being preponed in Sindh & schools in Sindh will reopen on the 1st of June 2020. Decision has been made by cabinet," tweeted Advisor to the Chief Minister on Law Murtaza Wahab.