Pakistan imposes 'mini-lockdowns' on virus hotspots

Authorities in Pakistan have imposed a mini-lockdown in some areas of the capital, Islamabad, by sealing off hot spots to contain the rising numbers of coronavirus cases.

The government says the restrictions will remain in place until there is an improvement in COVID-19 situation.

"We are scared, can't come out from houses, if we come out to buy something, we use mask & hand sanitizer. I keep disinfectant spray inside my car," Sardar Shiraz, a local resident said Tuesday.

Similar mini-lockdowns have also been imposed in hot spots of Pakistan's major cities, including the southern port city of Karachi, the eastern city of Lahore and the city of Rawalpindi.

But, people are still ignoring social distancing rules, although authorities are fining those not wearing masks and violating social distancing rules.

The latest development comes hours after Pakistan reported 1,637 new cases and 23 deaths from the coronavirus on Tuesday.

The country has registered 346,476 confirmed cases and 7,000 deaths since February when Pakistan reported first infection.

Image: Representative