LAHORE: 09, FEBRUARY, 2021: Punjab government has imposed a smart lockdown in as many as six localities of Lahore till February 19 on Tuesday in order to control the spread of the coronavirus.

The decision has been taken as part of precautionary measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the city.

According to the notification issued by the concerned authorities, as many as six areas of Lahore have been sealed as COVID-19 cases increased.

The areas include Ali View Garden, Baidian Road (Street No 1); DHA Phase-5 A-Block (Street No 21 and 20); DHA Phase-3 W-Block (Street No 21); Faisal Town Block C1 (Main Street); Allama Iqbal Town, Chenaz Block (Street from House N0 156 to 167) and Al-Ahmad Garden A Block (Abdullah Street).

"There has been a constant increase in positivity percentage and prevalence of COVID-19 in the Province of Punjab during last two weeks which poses a serious and imminent threat to public health. Hence, it is mandatory to take all possible safety measures for prevention and control of this disease," read a notification. 

The provincial health secretary ordered that "there shall be 'controlled entry and exit' in the areas of district Lahore identified as hotspots of COVID-19 … with immediate effect till 19th February 2021." 

The streets of affected areas have been closed with hurdles and deployment of police personnel. (04)