KARACHI: The Sindh Government has allowed businesses to open starting Monday in accordance with the decisions of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) under specific guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Although, the Sindh Government warned that if there is a spike in the number of coronavirus cases then it could result in even more restrictions being placed to curb the spread of the virus.
Read more: Sindh Govt Issues Advisory For Offices Regarding COVID-19.
All business activities in Sindh will be allowed to continue from Monday under specific guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) according to the Sindh Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah who said in a statement:
Any businessman who would not fully comply with the guidelines or SOPs will not be allowed to do business,
The Information Minister also said that that until there was a cure or vaccine for the coronavirus nobody could live a normal lifestyle like before nor do business the same way. Shah said:
If we are not careful, the situation will get worse,
Because the cure has not yet been discovered anywhere and it spreads very fast from one person to another. So the only way to prevent the spread of coronavirus … is to be careful and not to leave our homes unnecessarily.
According to the Minister, the Sindh government will also consult with the federal government regarding opening of major markets and shopping malls which were not given permission by the National Coordination Committee (NCC).
Shah said that Sindh government was bound by the decision of the apex court which urged all provinces to follow a uniform approach to the issue and implementation of policies to curb the spread of the coroanvirus.
Leaders of the Sindh business community shared their problems with the Sindh government in a meeting that took place where they were assured those businesses that were allowed to open by the National Coordination Committee (NCC) may do so from Monday.
For now Sindh businesses will be allowed to operate from 6am till 5pm according to the Spokeperson of the Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
The minister also said that if there is a spike in the number of cases as a result of opening of businesses, there would be a complete lockdown again. Shah said:
There is no doubt that reviving business activity is important, but more important is saving lives.
He emphasized on the need to follow the standard operating procedures strictly otherwise action will be taken and Sindh businesses will not be allowed to operate if violations are made.
Read more: Lockdown in Islamabad extended till 31 May easing Restrictions.
