Pakistan extends lockdown till May 31; factories open
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Pakistan has seen a sudden rise in the number of positive coronavirus cases.
As the cases are increasing in Pakistan, the local government has decided to extend the lockdown to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
The cases saw a sudden rise, especially as hundreds of repatriated Pakistan nationals tested positive after returning from UAE last week.
The Pakistan government, on Sunday, has decided to extend the lockdown restrictions for another three weeks till May 31. However, certain exemptions will be provided to traders and businessmen.
Officials have decided that all industries that are included in the second phase of the construction sector, all factories which are not included in the negative list, including the export industry, all retail shops and community markets will be allowed to remain open.
Small shops, too, will re-open. However, shopping malls, parks, golf clubs, tennis courts and all entertainment venues will stay closed.
The shops will be allowed to remain open five days a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, no shops will be allowed top open on the weekends.
Pakistan`s coronavirus tally crossed 29,000 on Sunday after 1,991 new patients were diagnosed in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.The Ministry of National Health Services said that 21 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities to 639.
(With inputs from ANI)