LAHORE: The Punjab government on Thursday extended lockdown with slight changes to curb the coronavirus till June 30.

The Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department issued a notification that from June 15 to 30, markets would operate till 8pm in the province and only vaccinated people would be allowed to enter shrines while those under 30 years of age cannot enter shrines.

However, public and private offices can work on Saturday while a complete holiday will be observed on Sunday.

All medical stores, pharmacies, health centres, vaccination centres, petrol pumps, bakeries, diary shops, food delivery, e-commerce service, courier and postal services, electricity and gas, internet, cellular and telecom companies, call centres, media houses, auto workshops, oil depot, all vegetable, fruit, and animal markets can work seven days a week.

Grocery, food, vegetable, utility stores, bakeries, meat shops and food takeaway are allowed to operate for 24 hours.

Indoor dining is banned while outdoor dining and shopping malls can operate till 12 midnight.

Indoor wedding ceremonies at restaurants, community centres and marques are banned and only outdoor marriage ceremonies having 150 people are allowed.

Cinema halls and theaters would remain closed.

Vaccinated people can enter gyms and tourist spots are directed to operate ensuring full implementation of SOPs.

Recreational spots are allowed to operate fewer than 50 percent capacity while all types of sports activities are banned.

Inter-city transport is allowed to operate with under 70 percent of passengers capacity and trains could also operate with 70 percent passengers capacity. Agriculture and industry is immune to this direction.

The district administration and police have been directed to ensure the implementation of SOPs and all public should wear masks

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2021