Lahore (Web desk): The Punjab government has decided to keep the markets closed across the province from midnight tonight till August 5 in line with the government's measures to prevent spread of coronavirus during Eid-ul-Azha.
Punjab Information Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan announced this on Monday.
“There will be strict lockdown in the markets across the province till next Wednesday and the decision will be implemented from tonight,” Chohan said
He added that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) implemented on Eid-ul-Fitr will also be followed on Eid-ul-Adha.
The provincial information minister said that SOP implementation in cattle markets will be ensured and the decision to reopen theaters, restaurants and other recreational areas will be discussed after Muharram.
Earlier, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that the sale of sacrificial animals and establishment of cattle markets within cities are strictly banned across the country.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Sunday, he said that special preparations have been made in consultations with all stakeholders to implement SOPs during Eid Days.
The SAPM said that the pandemic will further spread if SOPs not followed by the citizens.He said SOPs should also be followed during offering of Eid Prayers.
Dr Zafar Mirza advised citizens to prefer purchasing of Sacrificing animal through online instead of going to cattle markets.
The SAPM also urged the people to prefer collective sacrifice arranged instead of individual fulfilment of the ritual to maintain social distancing and contain the spread of coronavirus.