AJK’s govt orders lockdown amid rise in coronavirus cases

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has decided to impose a lockdown after a spike in coronavirus infections.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider announced that a decision has been taken to reimpose lockdown in the region. He said that AJK's coronavirus positivity rate has surged to 8.3% which is higher than any area in Pakistan, local media reported.

So far 2,816 have been reported in the region with 76 deaths. There are 332 active cases in AJK. The region has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases since October with it reporting more than 40 cases on Saturday.

In a high-level meeting, it was also decided to make facemasks mandatory in public places and offices and to charge fine in case of non-compliance.

The PM directed concerned officials to ensure the successful imposition of lockdown. The authorities have also been asked to come up with comprehensive and effective suggestions within two days.