KARACHI: Sindh province on Sunday announced revised coronavirus restrictions, extending a ban on all indoor gatherings, as it is ending a nine-day lockdown.
The province went into lockdown on July 31 when hospitals in its cities were close to saturation levels amid a sharp rise in infections fueled by the highly contagious delta variant.
While pressure continues to mount on medical facilities, especially in the largest city, Karachi, where the number of COVID-19 patients in critical care has increased throughout the week, the lockdown will be lifted on Monday, with the new restrictions in place through Aug. 31.
All indoor gatherings will remain banned.
"Ban is imposed on all types of indoor gatherings, including cultural, musical, religious," the Sindh government said in its order issued on Sunday, also making face masks compulsory in public spaces.
Authorities are empowered to take "any legal action on any act in contravention of this order or directions."
Shrines will remain closed, while offices and means of public transportation will operate at 50 percent occupancy. Gyms will be open only for those who have been vaccinated.
A complete ban on indoor dining will also continue. Outdoor dining, weddings, and other gatherings of up to 300 will be allowed, but only until 10 p.m., according to the order.
Market and business activities will be allowed until 8 p.m., with essential services such as pharmacies and medical facilities and food stores allowed to operate longer. On Fridays and Saturdays, non-essential businesses will be closed.
Despite the lifting of lockdown, schools in the province will remain closed for another ten days.
