Movement restricted in Peshawar's four localities.

PESHAWAR -- The administration on Monday imposed movement restrictions in four areas of the provincial capital due to the increasing transmission of coronavirus (Covid-19).

The deputy commissioner issued a notification ordering the controlled exit from and entry to Ashrafia Colony, parts of University Town, Danishabad and Sector E-2 in Hayatabad Phase-I with an immediate effect until further orders.

The notification said Ashrafia Colony bounded by Eidgah Road, Charsadda bus station and Afghan Colony Road, University Town's areas bounded by Chinar, Park and Sawfat Ghayur roads, Danishabad and Sector E-2 in Phase I Hayatabad would be off-limits to the people except for suppliers of essential goods.

It added that gatherings of all kinds had been strictly prohibited in those areas.

Task force approves smart lockdown for Covid-19 hotspots

'All shops other than those of essential services, including pharmacies, general stores, food supplies, tandoors, drinking water supplies and emergency will remain closed within these localities. Congregation in mosques will be restricted to five people only,' it said.

The notification said restriction violators would be dealt under sections 17 and 18 of KP Epidemic Control and Emergency Relief Ordinance, 2020, and National Disaster Management Authority Act, 2010.

Earlier, the provincial task force on coronavirus approved a smart lockdown for Covid-19 hotspots to contain massive outbreak of the virus. Chief Minister Mahmood Khan chaired the meeting.

A statement issued here said the proposed strategy would be presented in the next meeting of the provincial cabinet for approval to stamp political ownership of the decision.

The meeting was attended by health minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra, adviser to the chief minister Ajmal Wazir, chief secretary Dr Kazim Niaz and provincial police chief Dr Sanaullah Abbasi and other officials.

The participants expressed concern about the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the province and agreed on the fining of the people not using face masks in public.

The meeting reviewed Covid-19 situation in the province with a focus on the implementation of the standard operating procedures...