The government of Sindh has reopened indoor dining for fully vaccinated individuals in Karachi and Hyderabad.
The provincial government announced the new COVID-19 regulations through a notification on Sunday, which will remain effective from 1 to 15 September.
According to the notification, there will be a complete ban on indoor dining for non-vaccinated people in the aforementioned cities. However, the notification did not mention the other districts of the province.
“A complete ban shall continue on indoor dining for Karachi and Hyderabad. However, outdoor dining will be allowed till 10 pm under strict COVID protocols. Indoor and outdoor dining will be allowed till 11:59 pm at 50 percent occupancy for the vaccinated individuals only,” it said, asking customers to carry their vaccination certificates for verification. Moreover, deliveries and takeaways have been allowed 24/7.
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Business Timings
Businesses in Karachi and Hyderabad will operate until 8 pm and in the rest of the province till 10 pm. However, essential services, such as pharmacies, medical facilities, vaccination centers, fuel stations, LPG shops, milk shops, tandoors, standalone grocery stores, vendors of fish, meat, vegetable, and fruit, e-commerce, and bakeries, will be allowed to operate 24/7.
All management, customers, and staff have been strictly instructed to follow COVID-19 SOPs.
Closed Days
Fridays and Sundays will be observed as closed days in Karachi, while Friday and Saturday in Hyderabad. Businesses in the rest of the province will be closed on Fridays only.
The Karachi Tajir Action Committee has demanded the Sindh government either allow them to carry out business activities until 10 pm or permit them to open markets on Fridays.
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Weddings
Indoor weddings will remain banned until at least 15 September in Karachi and Hyderabad. However, outdoor weddings will be allowed with 300 guests under strict observance of COVID-19 protocol till 10 pm.
“[In] other divisions and districts of Sindh, outdoor weddings and related ceremonies are allowed with a maximum of 400 guests under strict Covid protocols till 10 pm. Indoor weddings and related ceremonies are allowed with a maximum of 200 guests only for the vaccinated individuals under strict COVID protocols till 10 pm,” reads the notification.
Shrines
The shrines will also remain closed in these two cities and may be allowed at the permission of divisional and district administration concerned in consultation with health as well as the Auqaf and religious affairs department.
Cinemas, Sports and Recreational Activities
The Sindh home department has also banned cinemas, all indoor gatherings, cultural, musical, religious, and other events across the province. Further, all indoor sports (Karate, Boxing, Martial Arts, Rugby, Water Polo, Kabaddi, and Wrestling) have also been banned until 15 September.
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Indoor gyms will be allowed for vaccinated individuals only, the notification added.
Office Hours
Routine office hours will be allowed for public and private offices in Karachi and Hyderabad.
“However, attendance level shall be reduced from 100% to 50%. [In] other divisions and districts of Sindh, routine normal office working hours [will continue] with 100% attendance.”
Public Transport
Public transport will be allowed on sanctioned routes with an occupancy level of up to 50 percent seating capacity. However, COVID SOPs must be followed, and staff should be vaccinated.
“Railway services will continue to operate with 70% occupancy under strict COVID protocols subject to following of all SOPs with passengers and staff duly vaccinated. All amusement parks, water sports, and swimming pools shall remain closed in the Karachi division and district Hyderabad. However, public parks may remain open under strict COVID protocols,” it added.
As per the notification, district administrations can impose broader lockdown in high-risk areas within their jurisdiction.
