LAHORE: The provincial capital police have sealed 11 more localities of Lahore following reports of presence of several confirmed cases of coronavirus.

The new areas sealed by the police included China Scheme, Begumkot at Shahdara, Gohawa Village near Bedian Road, some parts of Shadbagh, a few localities of Saddar, Small Industries Housing Society etc.

A senior police official confirmed that the 11 more localities of Lahore were completely put in lockdown following the outbreak of the coronavirus.

He said intensive deployment was made, patrolling enhanced and the commercial markets closed in these areas.

The entry of outsiders was banned and all locals were strictly directed to restrict movement to their residences.

He said action was taken on the recommendations of the health authorities when they noticed several confirmed cases of the virus in the areas.

To a question, the police officer said some parts of the Defence Housing Authority were also among those locked by the police following the same reasons.

He said it would be premature to say about the deadline [for closure] as the health teams were working there and collecting samples of the more suspected people.

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2020