Coronavirus: Karachi not under lockdown, clarifies Sindh info minister

Sindh’s Information Minister Nasir Shah have strongly denied the rumours that Karachi has been put under lockdown and clarified that the provincial authorities have only announced preventive measures amid rising number of coronavirus cases.

The minister dismissed the reports circulating on social media claiming that the port city is under lockdown, adding that people spreading the rumours would be charged under the cybercrime act.

Read also: Can a single COVID-19 patient infect dozens of others?

“People should remain calm, the provincial government is fully capable of dealing with the problem,” said Nasir Shah.

The number of confirmed cases in Pakistan of COVID-19 has risen to 31 as of Saturday after three new cases were reported; one from Islamabad and two from Karachi.

Also read: Karachi: Ban imposed on public gatherings, jalsas, wedding and sports events

Karachi has been the worst affected city so far, with 17 of the total confirmed cases.

Incidentally, the port city on Saturday also registered Pakistan's first community transmission case which led Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to order the closure of all public gatherings in shrines, wedding halls and cinemas in addition to teaching activities at religious seminaries and training institutions across the province.

Urs of saints would also remain suspended for three weeks till April 5 in the province as of now.