QUETTA: Amid an increase in coronavirus infections, the ‘smart lockdown’ and ban on public transport in the southwestern province of Balochistan has been extended till June 2, said provincial government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani.
“It is feared that with the resumption of transport services, the coronavirus will spread to our villages and less developed areas,” he said, adding that about 30 per cent districts of Balochistan are safe from the virus.
Shahwani urged people to refrain from inter-city travel on Eid also warned that traditional melas are strictly prohibited in the province during Eid celebrations.
Hoping that the business community will play an eminent role in the eradication of Covid-19, Shahwani maintained that about 1,100 shops have been sealed and 720 people have been arrested for violating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) so far.
“A notification has been issued for opening bakeries till 12pm; however, shops will be opened from 8am to 8pm after Eid,” he added.
While presenting the situational report in Balochistan, the provincial spokesperson apprised that 2,968 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the province till date. Among these, 1,919 cases were reported in Balochistan from May 1 to 20, accounting for 65% of the total number.
“There are about 21pcof women and 79pc of men among the virus affectees to date,” he added.
Speaking about the prevalence of the virus among different age groups, Shahwani stated that the reported cases for Covid-19 among 11 to 20-years-old in Balochistan is 11pc whereas about 9.5pc of the people affected from the virus are aged between 51 to 60 years old.
“Coronavirus cases among people above 60 years of age are 5.5pc whereas the percentage of children between the ages of 1 and 10 in the total coronavirus cases reported amount to 7pc,” he added.
Stressing that prevention is the only way to battle the contagion, Shahwani showed concerns that the youth have been most affected by the virus.
