In view of rising coronavirus cases, the Punjab government has imposed smart lockdowns in more areas of Gujrat, Sialkot, and Hafizabad.

According to a notification from the Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, all markets, shopping malls, offices, and restaurants will remain closed in the areas. There will also be a complete ban on gatherings of any kind. However, grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, bakeries, meat and milk shops will be allowed to remain open.

The smart lockdown will remain in effect in Gujrat till March 30, till March 24 in Sialkot and March 26 in Hafizabad.

The areas under lockdown are as follows:

• Area Road, University Road and Warraich Street - Gujrat
• Mohalla School Wala, Village Chitti Sheikhan - Sialkot
• Nai Abadi, Habibpura, Street No 5 - Sialkot
• Sector B, Street No 15, Askari 2, Cantt - Sialkot
• Aliul Haq Road, Model Town - Sialkot
• Maghribi Mohalla near Milad Chowk, Marakiwal - Sialkot
• Gala Tararanwala, Akhter Town, Kolo Road - Hafizabad

Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said Gujrat and Hafizabad were areas where more positive cases were being reported from.

"[We] have to save more people from the danger of being infected. The coronavirus is spreading rapidly because of not taking precautions," she said.