Taking into consideration the rising number of coronaviruses spreading at a rapid speech across the province, the Sindh government has imposed an immediate lockdown from Saturday till August 8.

This was decided in a meeting headed by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah attended by ministers, doctors, members of the Pakistan Medical Association. Shah also invited leaders from political parties as well as the Ranger DG of Sindh.

Many had expected this decision though the NCOC was not in favor saying their data showed that lockdowns did not help the working class or poor. They favor smart lockdowns in hot spots.

The Sindh government, however, decided otherwise especially given that the healthcare infrastructure was unable to cope with the burden inflicted on it as hospitals fill up.

A lockdown was the only way, the Sindh government said.

In their decision the administration has said:

Government offices will close from next week, all markets except pharmacies will stay closed, inter city transport to close, people will have to carry their vaccination cards with them and people who do not get vaccinated by August 31 will have their salaries withheld.

NCOC extends support to Sindh govt to curb Corona virus

On the other hand expressing concern over the growing spread of Corona virus in Karachi the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) decided to provide all possible assistance to the Sindh government to control the coronavirus situation.

The NCOC announced the decision on Twitter shortly before the Sindh coronavirus task force meeting started.

During the NCOC meeting held today, the forum critically reviewed disease spread in Karachi and decided to take all possible measures to assist Sindh Government in combating the rising trend of disease. 1/2

— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) July 30, 2021

The NCOC in its meeting also decided to provide assistance in the deployment of law enforcement personnel for the implementation of SOPs.

The measures being undertaken by Federal Government include ramp up of critical care capacity including oxygenated beds & vents, availability of oxygen and deployment of LEAs for implementation of SOPs and NPIs. 2/2

— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) July 30, 2021

The National Command and Operation Centre had earlier opposed the idea of a complete lockdown in Karachi and the head of the NCOC, Asad Umar, said that closing the entire city is not a solution to the new wave.