Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday announced the reopening of tourism industry, a decision taken after the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting. While addressing a press conference, Mr Khan said that tourism industry will be reopened because coming months are essential for people associated with tourism. The governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan would sit together and make Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The Balochistan government has decided to impose a partial lockdown to fight the novel coronavirus across the province until May 19. The government allowed all shopping malls, markets, stores, outlets, warehouses, depots and auto workshops to remain open from 3pm to 5pm throughout the week. Tandoors, grocery stores, medical stores and blood banks can remain open for 24 hours, whereas restaurants are only allowed to resume delivery and takeaway services.
Pakistan has decided to lift its coronavirus lockdown on May 9 (Saturday), announced PM Imran Khan on Thursday. He said that the decision is taken as many people are facing difficulties and a developing country like Pakistan cannot afford it. The premier requested the nation to follow the SOPs put in place by the government. Public transport will be opened too.
The Punjab government has decided to ease its coronavirus lockdown after May 9, whilw shopkeepers have been directed to strictly follow SOPs. The province has reported 8,693 cases of the novel coronavirus so far. Textile, steel and spare part shops will be allowed to operate for six hours. Parks will also be reopened for the public, but they’ll not be allowed to go on any swings or rides.
Europe prepared for a further cautious easing of coronavirus restrictions following signs the pandemic may be slowing. Italy followed by Spain will allow people outside. More than 243,000 people have been killed and 3.4 million infected worldwide by the virus which has left humanity in lockdown. With signs that the spread of the contagion has been brought under control, parts of Europe, Asia and the United States have begun to lift restrictions.
Doctors of PIMS Islamabad urged the government to tighten the coronavirus lockown in the upcoming weeks. All Employees Association Spokesperson Dr Asfand emphasised that the next few weeks were very crucial in controlling the deadly pandemic in the country. Dr Asfand pointed out that the doctors and paramedical staff working on the front line were aware of the actual situation caused by COVID-19.
A Karachi court denied a group of traders bail in a case against them for violating the lockdown. District South judicial magistrate sent six traders to jail for 14 days on judicial remand. They were arrested for opening their markets without permission. One of the men who has been arrested is a traders’ representative. On Monday they appeared in court asking for bail but their request was denied.
Netflix reported soaring profits as subscriptions surged by almost 16 million at the streaming television service during coronavirus lockdown. Netflix made a profit of $709 million on revenue of $5.8 billion in the first three months of this year. The number of paid subscribers grew by 15.7 million from the previous quarter to total nearly 183 million, according to earnings figures.
The Balochistan government has extended province-wide lockdown till May 5 due to a spike in cases of the novel coronavirus. The Balochistan Home Department has issued a notification in this regard. Shops and industries that have been allowed to resume operations have been directed to adhere to the SOPs issued by the government to prevent the spread of the virus.
Singer-songwriter Abdullah Qureshi has released a new single ‘Daro Na’, to pay tribute to the masked heroes fighting the coronavirus. Qureshi, who also produced the song, says he wrote it over a video call with his band mates. He said that he himself was feeling sad about what is going around the world and this song is just to lighten a candle of hope in people’s hearts.