'Relatively tight' lockdown planned for four virus hotspots in Punjab.

Byline: Mansoor Malik

LAHORE -- The Punjab government plans easing of the lockdown restrictions by allowing various businesses, industries and small markets to open five days a week from May 9 amidst looming threat of a rapid spread of coronavirus in the province, especially its main cities.

The government, however, has plans to keep the lockdown relatively tight in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Gujrat for being hotspots of the virus in Punjab.

Lahore alone has recorded some 38.43 per cent of total confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Punjab till Thursday evening.

Sources say the random sampling of media houses employees has also shown alarming results.

Despite a surge in the confirmed cases and death toll of the disease, Punjab, in consultation with the federal government, has decided to ease the lockdown restrictions.

The federal government, the sources told Dawn, has allowed the Punjab government to take district-wise decision to impose 'smart lockdown' according to their virus spread situation.

As the provincial governments are free to take decisions as per their local situation of virus spread, the sources say a suggestion was discussed in the chief minister's secretariat about extending the ongoing lockdown for another week in Lahore.

However, the growing concerns of daily wagers, and small traders regarding their livelihood has compelled the federal government wanted the provinces should ease the lockdown restrictions so that wheel of economy started moving.

Upcoming Eidul Fitr is also a major factor that pushed the government to allow opening of small markets for shopping.

The chief minister says permission to resume business will be granted to more industries and businesses, including pipe mills, ceramics, sanitary wares, paints, electrical cables, switch boards, steel, aluminum, hardware, besides small markets and shops across the province.

The small markets and shops will remain open from Fajar till 5pm. These businesses will be...