In the midst of the Coronavirus epidemic, the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan is coming to an end with the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration just around the corner. In fact, Pakistan came out of both Coronavirus waves moderately unscathed. The primary surge came amid May and June final year but flattened inside a number of weeks. The second wave developed around mid-September and kept going until late February but this year’s Eid comes as Pakistan struggles with the third wave of Covid-19 infections, with more than 800,000 cases and 18,000 deaths declared. Since the government opened markets for a few days amid the Coronavirus outbreak the people especially women crowded the city’s stores on Thursday to buy accessories for themselves and their loved ones which resulted in a significant rise in Coronavirus cases in Pakistan’s major cities such as Lahore and Karachi due to violating or failing to obey SOPS.
Also read: Covid-19 in Pakistan
SOP Violations in Big Cities of Pakistan
Eid shopping caused traffic jams by blockages on different roads in; Gulberg, Shadman, Ichhra, and other areas in Lahore, with vehicles jammed on various arteries; while in Saddar Karachi, police shut down common shopping areas such as; Zainab Market, Madina City Mall, Victoria Market, International Market, Gul Plaza, and Arham Shopping Centre. The shopkeepers were not wearing masks or gloves, nor were they using sanitisers, according to Assistant Commissioner Asma Batool. Following the action, traders demonstrated against store closures and raised slogans against the district administration. The viral videos on social media; showed no sign of social distancing in markets, supermarkets, or even during the traders’ strike amid the coronavirus crisis.
#Karachi Assistant Commissioner Asif Raza Chandio raids Zainab Market, the video shows open violation of SOPs, So far Zainab Market has been sealed for non-compliance with Sindh Governments SOPs. Well done 👍 pic.twitter.com/wqoKef81jZ
— GM Buriro (@buriroGM) May 13, 2020
NCOC Smart Lockdown Notification
Due to the increase violations in SOPs of Coronavirus the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) declared a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” policy From May 8 to May 16, stating that all markets, businesses, and shops will be closed, with the exception of critical facilities such as grocery, medical, general stores, clinics, and vaccination centres. Furthermore, during the Eid holidays, all modes of tourist activities, including transportation, will be banned, including Chand Raat bazaars.