Amid resurge in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the district administration of Hyderabad on Saturday decided to impose a smart lockdown in 16 union councils.

According to reports, the administration is all set to impose smart lockdown in COVID-19 hotspots. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

Qasimabad, five union councils of Latifabad and other areas of the city will be placed under the ‘smart lockdown’, ARY News citing its sources reported.

A doctor among seven people have died from the pandemic during the past week in the city.

Meanwhile, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) has issued new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be implemented strictly from today.

The new precautionary measures would be imposed in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Multan, Gilgit, Mirpur, Peshawar, Quetta, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Muzzafarabad and Abbottabad. The NCOC said these measures will remain in the cities till January 2021.

As per NCOC measures, Karachi has also issued new SOPs. Making the wearing of mask mandatory at public places, the city said that a fine of up to Rs500 will be imposed in case of violation.