The number of COVID-19 cases is on the rise in the Province of Punjab, positivity rate in some cities is constantly rising and third wave is looming, which poses a serious and imminent threat to public health. Hence, it is mandatory to take all possible safety measures for prevention and control of this disease in the Province of Punjab.
AND WHEREAS, in my opinion there are sufficient grounds to proceed under Section 4(c), 5(1)(e), 5(1)(f) of "The Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Act 2020" as an immediate preventive and expeditious remedy and the directions hereinafter appearing are necessary to ensure public health, safety. control the spread of COVID-19 and conserve lives in the Province of Punjab.
AND WHEREAS, the declaration that COVID-19 represents a serious and imminent threat to public health throughout the Province of Punjab under Section 311) of the Act ibid has already been published in the Gazette after approval of the Chief Minister.
NOW THEREFORE, in exercise of powers under Sections 4(c), 5(1)(e), 5(1) (1) of "The Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Act 2020", I, Sarah Aslam, Secretary, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department, Government of the Punjab, with the approval of Chief Minister, Punjab, am pleased to order the following: -
a. Activities: Complete ban is imposed on all activities after 6:00 PM till Sehr. Exemption is granted only to essential services i.e. petrol pumps, medical stores and vaccination centers.
b. Closed Days: Saturday & Sunday shall be observed as 'Closed days' (Friday & Saturday in 30 notified districts) whereby all activities shall be banned and establishments shall remain closed. Exemption is granted only to essential services i.e. petrol pumps, medical stores, vaccination centers, poultry & vegetable shops.
c. Weddings / Functions: There shall be complete ban on indoor weddings throughout the province and all types of Marriage Halls, Community Centers, Marquees and Event Halls shall remain closed. Furthermore, outdoor weddings shall also remain banned in Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Jhang, Kasur, Khanewal, Lahore, Multan, Mandi Bahaudin, Narowal, Okara, Rawalpindi, Rahim Yar Khan, Sialkot, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Sheikhupura and Vehari, being cities with positivity ratio higher than 8%.
d. Restaurants: There shall be complete ban on Indoor and outdoor dining throughout the province and only takeaway/ home delivery shall be allowed.
e. Amusement Parks: Amusement parks throughout the province shall remain closed, however, walking /jogging tracks shall remain open subject to strict adherence of COVID-19 SOPs.
f. Mask Wearing: All Citizens shall use face covering in public spaces throughout the province.
g. 50% Work from Home & Office timings: All Public / Private offices and establishments throughout the province shall operate from 9:00 AM till 2:00 PM and follow the policy of Work from home for 50% of their staff.
h. Cinemas: All Cinemas / Theatres shall remain closed throughout the province.
i. Gyms: All gyms shall remain closed throughout the province.
j. Shrines: All Shrines / Mazaars shall remain closed in Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Jhang, Kasur, Khanewal, Lahore, Multan, Mandi Bahaudin, Narowal, Okara, Rawalpindi, Rahim Yar Khan, Sialkot, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Sheikhupura and Vehari, being cities with positivity ratio higher than 8%.
k. Large Gatherings: There shall be complete ban of all types of indoor and outdoor gatherings throughout the province.
l. Sports, Festivals, Cultural and other events: There shall be complete ban on sports, festivals, cultural, social and other events throughout the province.
m. Intercity public transport: All types of intercity public transport shall operate at 50% of total capacity.
n. Rail service: Rail service shall operate at 70% of capacity.
o. Inter provincial public transport: All types of inter provincial public transport shall remain closed for two days (Saturday & Sunday) except Goods / freight, medical and other emergency services.
District administration and Police shall work in close liaison to ensure strict implementation of this order.
This order shall come into force immediately within territorial limits of Punjab and shall remain in force till 17th May 2021.
This order shall be given wide publicity in official Gazette, Daily Newspapers and broadcasting through Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television and other TV Channels as news item for information of the general public.
