KARACHI: The provincial government on Wednesday notified a new set of restrictions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for commercial, business and social activities, imposing a complete ban on indoor and outdoor marriage functions with effect from April 6 in view of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.

A notification said that outdoor marriage functions with a limited number of participants were allowed to be held till April 5 as per the earlier order of March 15.

It said that all markets, shopping malls and marriage halls would remain open from 6am to 8pm, except essential services including restaurants, medical stores, clinics, hospitals, petrol pumps, bakeries and milk shops with immediate effect till April 11.

According to the order, broader lockdowns would be enforced in areas with more than eight per cent positivity rate with stringent enforcement protocols based on risk assessment and no mobility except emergency in disease hotspots would be allowed.

It said that no indoor dining would be allowed at restaurants, which could remain open till 10pm and thereafter only takeaway and home delivery would be allowed.

The order said that only 50pc staff’s presence would be allowed in all public and private sector offices and courts till further orders.

Besides, amusement parks would be completely closed, while walking and jogging tracks would remain open with strict adherence to Covid-19 SOPs.

The notification said that wearing mask and observing social distancing was mandatory at all government and private offices and at public places.

It said that all kinds of indoor and outdoor gatherings, including social, cultural, political, sports, musical, religious, festivals and miscellaneous events were completely banned.

It said that the spread of Covid-19 would be reviewed further on April 7 at the National Command and Operation Centre forum for any further actions.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2021