Sindh govt announces new measures to contain coronavirus as cases rise

• Only vaccinated persons can travel in passenger coaches, check into hotels, attend outdoor wedding functions, says Sindh govt. 
• Smart lockdown imposed in District Korangi till July 31. 
• Pakistan today reported over 2,600 cases of coronavirus. 

KARACHI: For residents of Sindh, traveling in passenger coaches or accessing cattle markets or checking into hotels has been allowed only on one condition: they must get vaccinated. 

The Sindh Home Ministry has issued fresh directives in light of the growing cases of the infection in Sindh and Karachi. 

People who wish to partake in outdoor wedding functions will also have to get themselves vaccinated, as per the fresh directives of the home ministry. 

Smart lockdown imposed in Karachi's Korangi District

As per a report in Daily Jang, a smart lockdown has been imposed in Korangi District's Rafah-e-Aam Society, Shah Faisal Colony and Gulzar Colony areas. 

The smart lockdown has been imposed in the district till July 31.

On the other hand, all markets will remain closed in Lahore today (Sunday) as per the directives of the city's deputy commissioner.

Pakistan has been seeing a steady rise in coronavirus cases over the past week, with the coronavirus positivity ratio breaching the 5% barrier and the country reporting over 2,500 cases as well.

Authorities in Pakistan have warned that the country is undergoing a fourth wave of the infection, with the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) announcing a fresh set of restrictions.

Sindh govt imposes restrictions as cases rise

The Sindh government decided to close schools, impose a ban on indoor dining again and place several other restrictions across the province as COVID-19 cases continue to increase amid fears of a fourth wave.

The steps were taken Wednesday during the meeting of the Provincial Coronavirus Taskforce headed by the Sindh CM.

Schools closed from Friday for students of all classes, except for the exams of students enrolled in class 9 and above. Once exams are finished, schools will also close for students of class 9 and above.

During the meeting, the chief minister expressed concern over the worsening situation of COVID-19 in Sindh, where the positivity ratio has increased sharply during the past few days.

Indoor dining at restaurants, amusement parks, water parks, tourists spots, cinemas, gyms and indoor games have also been closed.

The development comes amid a warning from health authorities of a fourth wave due to the non-implementation of safety protocols.

Sindh had lifted the restrictions in phases during the past couple of months after new cases dropped.