Sindh relaxes Coronavirus restrictions

The government of Sindh had imposed a strict 9-day long lockdown in the province from 31^st July-8^th August. The lockdown has now been lifted with relaxed conditions as fewer cases were reported across the province.

The city of lights, Karachi had to battle the fourth wave of coronavirus, as the province saw a deadly surge in Coronavirus cases.

The Sindh government has warned people that if SOPs were not followed, and a rise in cases was reported again, the Sindh government would again impose strict restrictions.

The revised conditions include: –

• Markets to remain open till 8 pm including grocery stores, meat shops, markets, e-commerce businesses, bakeries, fruit, and vegetable vendors.
• Essential services like vaccination centers, tandoors, milk shops, medical stores, petrol pumps remain open 24/7.
• Two safe days in the week will be Fridays and Sundays.
• Indoor dining to remain close.
• Outdoor dining to open again with a maximum of 300 people at a place till 10 pm.
• Takeaway and home delivery to remain open 24/7, with SOPs to be followed by the delivery staff.
• Indoor weddings still remain banned.
• Outdoor weddings are allowed with a maximum of 300 guests till 10 pm with strict SOPs.
• Shrines to remain closed.
• Indoor gatherings, including cultural, musical, religious are strictly not allowed.
• Outdoor gatherings with a maximum of 300 guests with strict safety protocols are allowed.
• Cinemas to remain closed.
• Any sports which involve contact with many persons remain banned.
• Gyms allowed to re-open with vaccinated members to be allowed
• Offices to start work with 50% staff capacity.
• Public transport to run on routes with 50% capacity and staff to be fully vaccinated, no snacks or refreshments to be allowed on board.
• Railway services to continue with 50% occupancy and vaccination of all staff.
• Amusement parks, swimming pools and all sorts of water sports facilities remain closed.
• Public parks re-open with strict SOPs.
• Tourism activities are to be allowed for vaccinated people only.
• Domestic airlines will no longer serve meals or snacks.
• Wearing a mask is always compulsory in public places.

Schools to re-open from 19^th August

Schools in the province remain closed till 19^th August 9 as the month of Muharram will commence from 10^th August making it difficult for the students to commute due to processions and gatherings, Nasir Shah also stated that the government will also monitor the situation for another 10 days.

The intermediate exams will however commence from 10^th august across the province with students and staff not allowed to bring or use mobile phones inside the examination premises.