Coronavirus scare: Sindh govt restricts religious gatherings including those on Shab-e-Barat

• Decision has been taken keeping in view the increasing number of coronavirus cases and deaths in Sindh.
• The notification states that visits to burial places, shrines and cemeteries are also restricted.
• The government has instructed the public to pray at homes and avoid travelling unnecessarily.

(Karachi) Sindh government has imposed ban on observing religious festivals and gatherings, including Easter and Shab-e-Barat across the province, media reported on Wednesday.

As per notification, the decision has been taken keeping in view the increasing number of coronavirus cases and deaths in Sindh. The notification states that visits to burial places, shrines and cemeteries are also restricted. Besides, restrictions are in place on congregational prayers.

The government has instructed the public to pray at homes and avoid travelling unnecessarily. The government has directed the police to ensure that the ban is ensured in full letter and spirit.

On March 24, the government imposed province-wise lockdown to contain spread of coronavirus. The government imposed restrictions on public transport and businesses while educational institutions were closed till May 31.

So far, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Sindh stand at 1,036, after 50 new patients tested positive for the disease on Wednesday.

Confirming the increase in the positive cases in the province, Sindh Spokesperson Murtaza Wahab took to his Twitter handle and said 10,981 tests have been conducted so far.

He said the total number of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are 280. Wahab also announced two more deaths due to the virus. The province has lost 20 people to the deadly disease.