Karachi imposes lockdowns in four districts after surge in coronavirus cases

ISLAMABAD: Four ‘high-risk’ districts in Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, have been marked by provincial authorities for coronavirus related lockdowns after over 850 people in the city tested positive for COVID-19 overnight on Saturday.
Pakistan has seen coronavirus infections rising to peak levels as the country comes in the grip of a second wave of the virus.
In what is dubbed a ‘smart lockdown,’ the deputy commissioners of the administrations of several districts in the seaside metropolis have imposed mobility restrictions, with smaller, ‘micro’ lockdowns also coming into effect in numerous streets and localities. 
As part of restrictions, movements of residents in areas that have been earmarked as hotspots for COVID-19 will be restricted and  will not be allowed gatherings in their homes. The districts in question are South District, West District, Korangi District and Central District.
Three days earlier, the National Coordination Committee spearheading coronavirus relief efforts, had imposed an immediate ban on large gatherings, including weddings.
The Karachi lockdowns came into effect Saturday morning and will last until Dec. 5.
Pakistan recorded 42 deaths in the last 24 hours-- the country’s highest fatality count since mid-July.