People shifting from sealed hotspots in Rawalpindi.

Byline: Qaiser Shirazi

RAWALPINDI -- With the district administration placing 22 neighbourhoods of the Rawalpindi under a 'smart lockdown' as the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in the city topped 5,584, a large number of residents of these areas have started to relocate.

Many have shifted to the homes of their relatives in nearBy: vicinities which do not fall under the lockdown, locals said. Many others have left the city and its cantonment areas altogether, preferring to wait out the lockdown in their native villages and towns, spending this time as summer holidays, they said.

In this regard, some residents of areas where the government is mulling imposing a smart lockdown, have started preparations for relocation.

At the moment, the densely populated areas of the city which have been completely sealed include Sadiqabad, Muslim Town, Kurri Road, Qayyumabad, Iqbal Town, Satellite Town, Magistrate Colony, Effendi Colony, Tench Bhatta, People's Colony, Allama Iqbal Colony and Chauntra.

These areas were sealed as part of a smart lockdown policy of the government after a large number of Covid-19 patients emerged there, sparking fears of a cluster. The administration then sealed these areas and deputed personnel of the police and Rangers at all entry and exit points. They are also monitoring these localities, ensuring that only one person leaves the home for essential shopping with the requisite safety precautions.

However, keeping in view the lockdown and the restrictions on the movement in the sealed areas, residents slip out during the relaxation hours...