The Punjab government on Monday extended the lockdown by seven days as part of the efforts to stop the coronavirus spread.

According to a notification, the lockdown will remain in force till April 14. The shutdown was earlier scheduled to end on April 7 (Tuesday).

“Public is requested to follow the guidelines issued by the government and ensure that they don't leave home unless necessary,” the government spokesperson said in the public note.

The lockdown is being extended due to a rise in the number of cases in the province, which is alarming and highly dangerous for the health of the people, the notification said.

https://twitter.com/MusarratCheema/status/1247038746937171968

The province has reported the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country, involving 1,493 infections and 15 deaths.

Earlier on March 23, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar had announced a 14-day partial lockdown to curb the virus spread. Parks and public places were ordered to remain close and pillion riding was banned in the province.

“It is mandatory to take all pragmatic and possible measures to contain and counter the further spread of coronavirus on war footings,” read the notification.

It said there were sufficient grounds to proceed under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP), 1898, as an immediate preventive and speedy remedy to ensure public safety, conserve lives and maintain peace and tranquillity in Punjab.