“Smart lockdowns” have been put in place in Covid-19 hotspots in various localities of Karachi, according to a notification issued by the Karachi Commissioner’s Office late on Wednesday night as a measure to control the spread of the coronavirus.
The lockdown started from 7pm today (Thursday) and will remain effective till July 2.
According to the notification, the movement of residents in these areas will be “strictly restricted” while anyone going in or out of the areas will be required to wear a mask. Only one person from each household will be allowed outside to buy groceries or other essential items by showing their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to officials from law enforcement agencies.
Only grocery shops and pharmacies will be allowed to remain open while all industrial units in the areas will remain closed. Takeaways and home deliveries of food items will also not be allowed.
The notification added that residents will not be allowed to hold private gatherings inside their homes. No joy riding or pillion riding will be allowed while operations of public and private transport services including Careem, Airlift, Swvl and Uber shall remain suspended.
It added that that the government would try to provide rations to needy families in the areas using its own resources as well as through the help of charitable organisations and would also try to provide mobile dispensaries for the residents.
The notification directed the deputy commissioners to coordinate with the health and law enforcement departments including police and Rangers in providing logistical support to implement the lockdown.
