RAWALPINDI: The district administration has yet to decide whether to extend the lockdown in Nankari Bazaar, Bara Market and six residential areas sealed on July 1.

Gulzar-i-Quaid, Khayaban-i-Sir Syed, Dhoke Ali Akbar, Kotha Kalan, Morgah, Takhtpari and Narankari Bazaar and Bara Market were sealed for three days from July 1 to July 3 to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

“The lockdown has not ended yet because business activities are closed on Saturday and Sunday in the district. The provincial government will give the administration guidelines on Sunday on whether or not the lockdown will be extended,” Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq toldDawn.

He said shopkeepers in the two markets were informed that the lockdown will continue until Sunday. Mr Haq added that the ‘smart lockdown’ policy needs to be introduced as it brings good results.

Meanwhile, traders have demanded that the lockdown not be extended in Narankari Bazaar and Bara Market.

Narankari Bazaar Traders Association President Sheikh Mohammad Sadaqat said that the lockdown should not be extended as it will cause financial difficulties for traders.

He said the government did not provide traders any relief and warned that the business community would begin agitation if markets are closed.

Also on Saturday, 21 more people tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday while three patients recovered.

Rawalpindi has now had 5,903 confirmed Covid-19 patients, with 244 deaths and 4,196 recoveries.

There are currently 664 patients in hospital, including 300 from other districts, and 799 people isolated in their homes. Another 286 suspected Covid-19 patients have been admitted to Rawalpindi’s four hospitals and their samples have been sent to the National Institute of Health and the Benazir Bhutto Hospital and Holy Family Hospital laboratories for testing.

Local administrations have kept 6,310 people under observation in their homes for two weeks after they were in close contact with confirmed patients.

According to the district administration’s data, Rawalpindi tehsil has reported the highest number of Covid-19 cases with 4,659, followed by 239 in Gujar Khan, 243 in Taxila, 63 in Kahuta, 60 Kotli Sattian, 30 in Murree and 34 in Kallar Syedan.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2020