The Gilgit-Baltistan administration has decided to close all educational institutions in the region for 10 days from July 1 in view of a spike in Covid-19 cases, according to Dr Shah Zaman, GB’s focal person for coronavirus.

Dr Zaman said instructions had been given to local administration to ensure implementation of the SOPs at all spots including mosques and hotels. The official expressed alarm over the sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases and the death rate in the area.

He said it had been proposed to impose a smart lockdown on a daily basis, while it was also recommended to shut hotels, parks and recreational spots on Saturdays and Sundays.