‘Micro lockdown’ imposed in Karachi’s virus hotspots

From Zeeshan Mirza

KARACHI: In an effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Sindh government on Wednesday imposed a ‘micro smart lockdown’ in certain virus hotspots in Karachi for two weeks.
According to the details, the ‘micro smart lockdown’ has been imposed in 48 localities of Karachi’s district central. 21 localities of North Nazimabad, 12 localities of Gulberg Town, nine localities of Liaquatabad Town and four areas of North Karachi have been placed under micro smart lockdown’ for two weeks.
All business activities, except for groceries and pharmacies, will remain closed and all public transport including taxis and rickshaws will not be allowed to move in the areas. Anyone entering or exiting the lockdown areas shall wear a mask. Sources said that the Micro smart lockdown has been imposed in the areas on the recommendations of health officials.
Earlier on September 30, the Sindh government had imposed “micro smart lockdown” in several neighbourhoods of Karachi to prevent the spread of deadly coronavirus. According to a notification, the government had imposed micro smart lockdown in different localities of District West, Karachi.
The district West areas that had been put under micro smart lockdown include Manghopir Union Council 8 and Gadap Town.
Earlier, The health officials on Thursday have recommended imposition of “micro smart lockdown” in more areas of Karachi. District Health Officers (DHOs) of Karachi’s District Central and District East have sent lists of the areas to concerned Deputy Commissioners to impose lockdown. In a letter, it was said that in four neighborhoods of the city’s central district 46 cases of novel coronavirus have been reported. The central district’s North Karachi, North Nazimabad, Gulbarg and Liaquatabad localities have been pointed out in the letter.
Moreover, scores of COVID-19 cases have also been reported in east district of port city, according to the letter. The letter pointed out Gulshan Iqbal Town UC-14 and UC-06, Jamshed Town’s UC-07, UC-10, Al-Khaleej Tower and Al-Mustafa areas for immediate imposition of micro smart lockdown to curb spread of coronavirus infections.
It is to be mentioned here that the Sindh government on Wednesday imposed “micro smart lockdown” in several neighbourhoods of Metropolis to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
According to a notification issued by the DC West, the government imposed a micro smart lockdown in Manghopir Union Council 08 and Gadap Town.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Karachi Muhammad Sohail Rajput held a meeting on Wednesday to mull over the pandemic situation in Karachi and stressed that the authorities will shut down marriage hall and restaurants on the violations of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).