Shoppers flout SOPs after restrictions on businesses lifted.

RAWALPINDI -- Thousands of people flocked to Rawalpindi's markets on Monday, flouting social distancing and Covid-19 preventive measures, after the government allowed businesses to reopen on the 49th day of the partial lockdown. In the meantime, the number of Covid-19 cases has continued to rise.

Large shopping malls, dine-in restaurants, educational institutions, hotels, marquees and wedding halls and cinemas are still closed, and public processions, congregations of all kinds, organised sports events and concerts are still prohibited.

The metro bus service is also suspended, and a meeting will be held on the resumption of public transport with representatives of provincial and district-level transporters to prepare standard operating procedures (SOP) under which public transport may be allowed to run.

After Prime Minister Imran Khan warned that irresponsible behaviour would squander the freedoms that come from easing the lockdown, Information Minister Shibli Faraz also said on Monday that the lockdown on businesses will be reimposed if safety guidelines are not followed.

The Punjab government has issued a directive on the reopening of businesses including all retail outlets other than large shopping malls, subject to the implementation of SOPs and guidelines, for four days a week.

Hundreds of people, most of them ignoring government SOPs, gathered in markets without wearing masks - which...

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