Coronavirus outbreak: Balochistan govt extends smart lockdown till June 2

Balochistan government decided to extend the ongoing smart lockdown till June 2 across the province. 

Addressing media in Quetta on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Balochistan government, Liaquat Shahwani said that the decision to ban public transport has been upheld in order to stem the spread of coronavirus, especially in rural areas of the province.

"It is feared that with the resumption of transport services, the coronavirus will spread to our villages and less developed areas," he said, adding that about 30% districts of Balochistan are safe from the virus.

Urging people to celebrate the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr with simplicity, the provincial spokesperson requested citizens not to engage in inter-city travel during the lockdown and stressed that the traditional melas are strictly prohibited in the province during Eid celebrations.

Hoping that the business community will play an eminent role in the eradication of coronavirus, Shahwani maintained that about 1,100 shops have been sealed and 720 people have been arrested for violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) so far.

Also read: Ease in lockdown has spiked spread of COVID-19: Balochistan government spox

"A notification has been issued for opening bakeries till 12 pm, however, shops will be open from 8 am to 8 pm after Eid," he added.

'Over 29,000 people affected from coronavirus in Balochistan'

While presenting the situational report in Balochistan, the provincial spokesperson apprised that 2968 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the province to date. Among these, 1919 cases were reported in Balochistan from May 1 to 20, accounting for 65%  of the total number.

"There are about 21% of women and 79% of men among the virus affectees to date," he added.

Touching upon the spread of the virus among different age groups, Shahwani stated that the reported cases for COVID-19 among 11 to 20-years-old in Balochistan is 11% whereas about 9.5% of the people affected from the virus are aged between 51 to 60 years old.

"Coronavirus cases among people above 60 years of age are 5.5% whereas the percentage of children between the ages of one and 10 in the total coronavirus cases reported amount to 7%," he added.

Stressing that prevention is the only way to battle the contagion, Shahwani showed concerns that the youth have been most affected by the virus.