Lahore: The Punjab government has extended the provincial lockdown for another three weeks; allowing operational exemptions for the construction and export sectors, factories, retailers, hair salons, and gyms — provided each establishment strictly adheres to its communicated standard operating procedures (SOPs) designed to fight the spread of the ongoing pandemic, according to news sources.
Reportedly, the Punjab primary and secondary health department has extended the lockdown till May 31 — with the aforementioned exempted businesses expected to operate four days a week (from Monday to Thursday), between 8 am and 5 pm. In addition, large shopping malls, educational units, hotels, marquees, restaurants, wedding halls, cinemas and other such places that host mass gathering will continue to remain closed.
Public transport services (except motorcycle-rickshaws and rickshaws) shall also remain suspended, along with all public processions, congregations, organized sports events or concerts of all sizes.
As for the exempted industries, the provincial government has further decided to allow allied businesses related to the construction sector (steel, aluminium, PVC Pipes, electronics, ceramic, paint, sanitary, and hardware stores and manufacturing units) to be operational in Phase II of the initiative to eventually lift the lockdown; albeit under the previously communicated safety guidelines.
Moreover, the general/grocery stores, bakeries, flour units, dairy and meat, fruit, vegetable, and automobile shops have been allowed to be operational seven days a week, from 9 am to 5 pm. The postal and courier services will also be allowed to function seven days a week, from 9 am to 5 pm.
The provincial lockdown has further allowed tyre shops, automobile parts shops, driver hotels, gas stations, oil depots, food takeaways and deliveries to be operational round-the-clock.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
