In a proactive move to combat the growing health concerns related to air pollution, the Punjab Government has issued a notification to impose a smart lockdown in seven of the most polluted districts in the region. This lockdown will be in effect from November 9 to November 12 and will primarily target areas with the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) and the potential to become hotspots for Conjunctivitis due to smog.
Conjunctivitis, also known as Pink Eye, can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, exposure to smoke, dust, or chemicals. Its prevalence has been on the rise, posing a significant and immediate threat to public health. The Punjab Health Department emphasized the need for urgent action to curb the spread of this eye condition.
As part of this smart lockdown, several restrictions will be implemented in the following districts: Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Narowal. Here’s what you need to know:
Business Closures:
All markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools (both public and private), and offices (both public and private) will remain closed during this period.
Limited Movement:
There will be limited movement of people to and from these areas by both public and private transport.
Essential Services:
While most businesses will be closed, essential services such as pharmacies/medical stores, medical facilities, vaccination centers, petrol pumps, oil depots, tandoors, bakeries, grocery/karyana stores, milk/dairy shops, sweet shops, vegetable/fruit shops, chicken/meat shops, E-commerce/postal/courier services, and utility services (electricity, natural gas, internet, cellular networks/telecom) will continue to operate as usual.
Departmental Stores:
Large departmental stores will only keep their grocery and pharmacy sections open while all other sections will remain closed.
Exemptions:
Government officials on duty will be exempted from the lockdown if duly notified by their respective departments.
Special Permissions:
Judges, lawyers, court staff, personnel related to health services (including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and medical stores), law enforcement agencies, and essential services/offices, including WASAS, Municipalities, WAPDA, NTDC, DISCOS, and SNGPL, are allowed to operate.
Specific Scenarios:
Takeaway and home delivery services from restaurants will be available, as well as access for those in need of medical care with two attendants, people going out to buy groceries and medicines, and individuals participating in necessary/unavoidable religious rites such as the last rites, Namaz-e-Janaza, burial, and related events.
This smart lockdown is a crucial step to protect public health in the face of worsening air quality and the rising threat of Conjunctivitis in these high-pollution districts. The government’s proactive approach aims to minimize the impact of air pollution on the well-being of its residents and ensure the continued operation of essential services during this period.
