Rawalpindi: The authorities concerned have finalised the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reopen various public and recreational facilities in the city, including the Metro Bus Service, restaurants, wedding halls and marques, a news source reported on July 9. While some additional facilities are expected to be reopened soon, cinema halls and theatres will remain shut for the time being.
Due to the smart lockdown in place to control the COVID-19 transmission, almost half the city has been sealed — with only a limited number of shops and facilities allowed to remain open during the notified time. However, in the remaining half of the city, all markets, malls, commercial centres, plazas and business centres have already been allowed to reopen.
At the same time, the government has also completed its preparation to seal more areas under various phases, depending on the pandemic situation. Under the finalised plan, populated areas and commercial markets including Raja Bazar, Moti Bazar and several wholesale markets will be shut down in various phases for seven to 10 days.
Only food suppliers, general stores and pharmacies will be allowed to remain open by strictly following the communicated SOPs in the areas identified for smart lockdown. Furthermore, authorities will only allow the residents of these areas to enter and leave the quarantined zones by checking their Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC).
