Punjab Govt Imposes Lockdown in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad

The Punjab Government has imposed a lockdown in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad due to surging number of coronavirus cases across the province.

According to the notification issued by the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, the lockdown in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad will go into effect from Tuesday (3 August 2021) till 31 August 2021.

The decision to reimpose restrictions was taken by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) after reviewing the worsening situation of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Markets and Business Activities

As per the notification issued by Punjab Government, markets and all other business activities will only be allowed to take place till 8:00 PM. However, the following essential services will be exempted from the restriction:

Pharmacies/Medical stores, medical facilities and vaccination centers, petrol pumps, tandoors, bakeries, milk/dairy shops, food (24 hours a day), takeaways and e-commerce/Courier/Postal services and utility services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks/Telecom, Call Centers, Media). Auto workshops, Oil Depots and all Kinds of Mandis including grain, fruit, cattle and vegetable mandis.

Closed Days

The notification states that Saturday and Sunday shall be observed as ‘Closed Days’ whereby all activities shall be banned and markets / establishments shall remain closed. However, there is exemption for following essential services:

Pharmacies/Medical stores, Medical Facilities and Vaccination Centers, Petrol Pumps. Tandoors, Bakeries, Grocery / Karyana stores, Milk / Dairy Shops, Sweet Shops. Vegetable / Fruit Shops, Chicken / Meot Shops, Food (24 hours a i. Takeaways and E-commerce / Courier / Postal day) Services & Utility Services (Electricity, Natural Gas, Internet, Cellular Networks / Telecom, Coll Centers. Media). Auto workshops. Oil Depots and all kinds of mandis including grain, fruit, cattle and vegetable mandis.

Indoor Dining

There will be a complete ban on indoor dining during the lockdown imposed by Punjab Government in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad. However, outdoor dining will be allowed till 10:00PM under strict COVID-19 SOPs. Meanwhile, takeaways are allowed 24/7.

Weddings

There will be a ban on indoor weddings from 8 August 2021 while outdoor weddings will be allowed with a maximum cap of 400 guests under strict COVID-19 SOPs.

Shrines

There will be a complete closure of shrines in these cities.

Cinemas

There shall be a complete closure of cinemas.

Gatherings

There will be a ban on indoor gatherings, including cultural, musical, religious, or any other event. However, outdoor gatherings will be allowed with a maximum of 400 people under strict adherence to COVID-19 SOPs.

Sports

There shall be a complete ban on all contact sports, including Karate, Boxing, Martial Arts, Rugby, Water Polo, Kabaddi & Wrestling.

Gyms

Gyms will remain open for vaccinated individuals.

Office Timings

Offices will operate under normal working hours but attendance will be 50% as per the work from home policy.

Public Transport

Public transport service shall remain operational but occupancy level has been reduced to 50%. Meanwhile, there is a ban on serving all types of snacks to passengers during the journey.

Railways

Railway services will operate with 70% occupancy under strict COVID-19 SOPs.

Recreation

There will be complete closure of amusement parks, water sports, and swimming pools. However, public parks will remain open under strict COVID-19 SOPs.

Extended Lockdown

Broader lockdowns with stringent enforcement protocols based on risk assessment shall continue.

Masks

Wearing of masks is mandatory in public places.

Tourism

Policy of controlled tourism for vaccinated individuals shall continue.

“Industrial and Agriculture activities and establishments shall be exempt from operation of this order.” read the notification.

The Punjab Government has stated that the lockdown in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad shall go into effect from 3 August 2021 till 31 August 2021.

This is a copy of the notification: