Sindh closes all educational institutions
KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday announced COVID-19 restrictions in the province in wake of rising virus cases, closing down schools, colleges and imposing limits on restaurants, atendance at public and private offices besides also banning inter-city transport.
Addressing a press conference at Sindh Assembly building alongside provincial ministers, the chief minister said that they have restricted atendance at government offices to 20 per cent and the remaining staff would work from home.
“They will be given their tasks and will remain in touch during duty hours on phone,” he said.
In private offices, 50 per cent of staff will be ensured and in case of violation, the workplace will be sealed, the chief minister said. He said that schools, colleges and universities will remain completely closed in the province.
“Outdoor dining will be banned at restaurants and only takeaways and delivery will be allowed,” Shah said adding that each shop will ensure 50 per cent customers, with everyone wearing masks and any violation will lead to its sealing.
The Sindh chief minister said that the inter-city public transport will be banned from Thursday and appealed to the people to avoid movement during Eid days. “Stay where you are during Eid to avoid virus transmission,” the chief minister said while demanding the federal government to ban intercity transport and international flights.
“Globally, borders are being managed to avoid virus transmission,” he said besides announcing that goods transport will continue as usual to keep the industry running in the country.
Shah said that the positivity ratio in the Sindh province is still far below the other provinces, however, the trend of the rising cases has made them worry regarding the ongoing situation.
Shah said that they tried to purchase vaccines from China, however, they prefer dealing with the Federal government rather than provinces.
Speaking regarding oxygen capacity in the province, Shah said that there are three oxygen generationplantsattheprovincialhospitals.“oxygen generation plants are installed at Trauma Centre, Gambat hospital and DOW Ojha campus,” he said.
Meanwhile,thesindhgovernment’sspokesperson Murtaza Wahab said the Sindh government has decided the closure of all educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities, due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
“All schools, colleges and universities shall also remain closed due to the rising number of COVID19 cases,” Wahab confirmed in a Twiter statement.