Govt extends lockdown in Islamabad for three weeks

• The restrictions will now be lifted on May 31.
• All industries included in the second phase of the construction sector will be allowed to operate.
• Small and retail shops and community markets will remain open during the lockdown while  large shopping malls will be closed.

(Karachi) The government has extended lockdown in Islamabad for three weeks with certain exemptions provided to traders and businessmen, media reported on Sunday. The restrictions will now be lifted on May 31.

According to details, all industries included in the second phase of the construction sector will be allowed to operate. Similarly,  factories not included in negative list, including the export industry will open.

Besides, small and retail shops and community markets will remain open during the lockdown while  large shopping malls will be closed.

Earlier, at least two more people died of coronavirus each in Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan. The total death toll due to the virus across  the country has reached 640.

As per details,  so far the number of deaths in the capital are now five, while GB has recorded four deaths.

The government's official portal confirmed that 48 new cases emerged in Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir collectively. In Islamabad, 32 cases have been confirmed while GB has reported nine new cases. AJK has detected seven new cases.

Besides, 214 patients have recovered taking the total number of recoveries in the country to 8,023.