Shopping malls, hotels, cinemas, salons in Pakistan to reopen today as restrictions lift

[Sobia Anjum]

Pakistan Breaking News

Shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, gyms, theatres, cinema halls, beauty parlors across the country will reopen today (Monday) with the implementation of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) set by the govt to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The action came after the announcement of lifting the lockdown by the federal government.

According to sources, shopping malls and markets will remain open throughout the week.

The government has also given permission to hold events for non-contact sports from today. Events will, however, be held without any audience. Indoor gyms and sports clubs will reopen on the same day too, except Kabaddi, wrestling and rugby.

Earlier, on July 6, Pakistan had decided to reopen its restaurants, cinemas, theatres, parks and other activities from August 10.

While during addressing a press conference after the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting on Thursday, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said the coronavirus pandemic had been controlled to a great extent due to the effective strategy of the government institutions, untiring efforts of doctors and paramedical staff and cooperation of the people. 

Umar said the Pakistan's strategy of smart lockdown was appreciated by the other countries. 

Exhibition centres, and shrines were being allowed to open, he said, but warned people to follow the SOPs in large gatherings at the shrines and seek permission from the administration before arrange events. 

It is pertinent to mention here tha, Pakistan went into a lockdown on March 23 and all restaurants, shopping malls and shops were closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Schools across the country were closed on March 13.

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