Govt Decides to Reopen Cinemas, Gyms, Transport and Restaurants

Just in time for Independence Day.

Finally, the lockdown really got smart and opened up all recreational places. Just in time to celebrate Independence Day with a bang.

Well, at least Asad Umar says so. The National Coordination Committee (NCC) held a meeting today to decide whether or not to reopen public spaces for the public. Previously all public places had been closed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former Minister of Finance announced that all movie theaters, beauty parlors, business centers, and public places for leisure will be opened nationwide starting August 10th.

Meaning marketplaces can now remain open based on ‘pre-Corona timings‘. Meanwhile, tourism and gyms can resume regular operations starting tomorrow.

As for marriage halls and educational institutes, they will have to hold up until September 15th to resume regular operations. However, there will be another meeting on September 7th to evaluate the situation and determine if it’s safe to reopen educational institutes.

Does that mean officials have gotten ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic and contained the outbreak? Asad Umer stated that;

“Cases spikes in other parts of the world,….. hence the threat has not subsided, …. this is not a cricket match that we’ve won, this war continues.”

There has been no official government communique in this regard, but this liberty is not unconditional. Asad Umar specifically asked people to continue taking precautionary measures.

Especially with Independence Day coming up and the Islamic New Year in Muharram.