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What’s Closed on Eid-ul-Fitr 2021?
What’s Open on Eid-ul-Fitr 2021?
It’s been more than a year since the coronavirus outbreak hit Pakistan and drastically changed the way we live and interact with each other. With hundreds of thousands of cases reported so far, we are among the most adversely affected nations of this global pandemic.
Unfortunately, the situation hasn’t got any better with time and Pakistan is currently going through its third and probably the most lethal wave of the coronavirus pandemic. For the last couple of months, thousands of positive virus cases are being reported every day. The rate of infection may go further up if people continue to ignore social distancing and coronavirus SOPs.
So, for the safety and wellbeing of the general public, the government of Pakistan has recently announced a six-day holiday with strict covid-19 restrictions for Eid-ul-Fitr 2021, from May 10-15. The ban and restrictions that the government has announced for the upcoming holidays will be in our best interest. As responsible citizens of the country, we should take all necessary precautions to prevent the virus from spreading, especially during the upcoming congregational prayers for Eid.
In the light of the newly announced Covid-19 restrictions in Pakistan for Eid holidays, here we have compiled a list of the services and facilities that will either remain closed or open to the general public during the upcoming festive occasion.
Covid-19 Restrictions in Pakistan for Eid: What’s Closed?
The best way to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus is to stay at home and limit our activities and social interactions. Even on Eid, instead of going to each other’s house, we can just use online tools like video conferencing to communicate and make the most of this festive occasion.
The government is trying its best to flatten the curve of the Covid-19 pandemic and we should play our part in it by following the SOPs and maintaining social distancing. The facilities and services that will remain closed to the public have been listed as under:
Educational Institutions
Due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the country, schools in almost the entire country have been closed till Eid for the safety and well being of the students. On the other hand, universities and other higher educational institutions have also suspended physical classes and are now taking online classes till further notice. Annual examinations and tests have also been postponed.
Shopping and Recreational Spots
There will be no chaand raat bazaars this year as the authorities have decided to shut all the markets and recreational spots across the country from May 8-16, 2021. According to a renowned news publication, these dates were recently announced by the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC).
“The current spike of COVID-19 in the country merits effective measures to arrest its further spread with special emphasis on reducing mobility during forthcoming Eid-ul-Fitr,” said NCOC in an official statement.
The general public has been advised to get done with their Eid shopping beforehand. The allowed business hours during Ramadan are from Sehri till 6 pm in almost all major cities in Pakistan.
Furthermore, there is going to be a complete ban on tourism activities in the countries. This means all hotels, restaurants, public attractions, tourist resorts and facilities will also be closed during the aforementioned dates.
Intercity Transport Service
According to the new Covid-19 restrictions in Pakistan for Eid, intercity transport service will also remain closed during the upcoming holidays. Only people who belong to the northern region of Pakistan, especially the residents of Gilgit-Balistan, will be allowed to head back to their hometowns.
However, private vehicles including taxis and rickshaws will be permitted to operate with only 50% occupancy of the total seating capacity.
Covid-19 Restrictions in Pakistan for Eid: What’s Open?
Keeping in view of the day-to-day needs of the general public and the unpredictable nature of the medical emergencies, here are a few essential facilities and services that will remain open to the general public:
- Grocery stores and pharmacies
- Medical facilities and Covid-19 vaccination centres
- Vegetable and fruit markets
- Chicken and meat shops
- Bakers and confectioners
- Petrol pumps and CNG stations
- Eateries for takeaway and delivery
- E-Commerce retail outlets that provide doorstep delivery service
Note: All the law enforcement agencies as well as the armed forces of Pakistan have been engaged to enforce Covid-19 restrictions in Pakistan. They have also been allowed to take necessary actions against the violators of the restrictions. People could be arrested and put in jail for not complying with the coronavirus SOPs.
Maintaining social distancing and avoiding public gatherings can help us prevent the spread of the coronavirus. If we properly adhere to the government’s policies, we could soon emerge as a coronavirus-free nation. So, to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the deadly virus, we should all try our best to stay home and stay safe by keeping our Eid celebrations as low-profile as possible.
If you found this piece informative, feel free to share it with your friends and family and let them know about the latest Covid-19 restrictions for Eid Holidays in Pakistan announced by the authorities.
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Team Zameen would like to wish you all a very happy and safe Eid!
Disclaimer: All the Covid-19 restrictions for Eid-ul-Fitr 2021 discussed in this blog are based on the recent official statement made by the NCOC. They are subject to change as per the government’s notification.
