The Sindh government on Tuesday ordered closure of restaurants, shopping malls, government offices and inter-city bus service for 15 days.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the provincial task force.

In a related development, the spokesperson for Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said the chief minister wanted to increase the coronavirus testing capacity from 200 persons to 5,000 persons. The Sindh chief minister said there was a need to curb spread of the virus instead of getting panicked. He said that hospitals would not be able to handle the pressure if the virus spreads. He directed K-Electric to ensure uninterrupted power supply to shopping malls and restaurants even during their closure.

Also, restaurants at major hotels would remain closed and there would be a ban on the dining facility at any restaurant. However, people would be able to order food from home. He said that grocery stores and fish, chicken and vegetable shops will remain open during these days. He told people to stay indoors.

According to the decision taken at the taskforce meeting, public parks and Sea View will also remain closed. The decision will be effective from Wednesday.

The government has also decided to close public offices from Thursday. The Sindh chief secretary would issue a notification in this regard. The Sindh government has also decided to close the inter-city bus service.