The deputy commissioner, Larkana, Muhammad Nauman Siddique, on the recommendation of incharge District Health Officer, has ordered to seal 12 areas in Larkana and Ratodero Taluka of Larkana district for a period of seven days for which a notification has also been issued. These areas include Khichi Muhalla, Shahi Bazar, Bunder Road, Main Bus Stand of Larkana, Barra Alam, Beef Market Road, Jalbani Muhalla to Hotel of Moor Shah, From gate of Sardar Pir Bux Ghanghro to Habib Bank including Bazaar Road, Resham Gali (from Bachal Shah House to Dag Tallab Masjid), Main railway crossing road to main bazaar road towards Naundero city and Larkana Road of Ratodero and Allah Wala Chowk and Main Bazaar of Naundero. The action has been taken under section 3(3) of The Sindh Epidemic Disease Act, 2014 in large public interest and to prevent/slow down the spread of COVID-19. SSP and Wing Commander, Shahbaz Rangers, have been requested to restrict movement of persons in these areas, ensure public adherence of public to SOPs issued by the Home Department and take action against delinquents who are found in violation of this notification under section 188 of the PPC. Medical Stores, small grocery stores and truly essential services are exempted from this notification. Meanwhile, out of 28 samples of NBP Main Branch, Larkana, employees 17 have been detected positive after which branch has been sealed. Sources at the bank said that Hathi Dar, Shikarpur, Ratodero, and Naundero Branches will soon open which were closed after positive cases were detected among the employees but Main Branch, Larkana, will continue to remain sealed. These sources further claimed that Naundero branch will open only when its head cashier is tested negative after going through an isolation period. On the other hand, two positive COVID-19 cases expired Tuesday in the ICU of Chandka Medical College Hospital (CMCH) and another woman expired in her home belonging to an influential family. There are 14 patients at the COVID-19 ICU at the moment out of whom four are on ventilators. So far 40 patients were admitted in the CMCH COVID019 ICU out of whom 20 have expired, credible sources told this Scribe on condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions. On the other hand, a young engineer Zahid Ali died of coronavirus in Karachi on Tuesday wee hours. His body was shifted to his native village Naundero for final rites. The deadly virus has so far claimed five lives in the hometown of the Bhutto family, Naundero, of coronavirus which is very tragic. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad has imposed smart lockdown in six areas of Abbottabad district which will start from the midnight of Tuesday and will continue till new notification. According to notification vide PS/2189-2200 dated 15/06/2020 where it is stated that in pursuance of government’s policy of smart Lockdown under section -8 and 21 of the KPK epidemic Control and emergency Relief Ordinance 2020read with Section, 22 0f the National Disaster management authority in order to further prevent the spread and the circulation of the COVID-19, the six areas will be under lock down from June 15, 2020 till further order. The areas under lock down will be 1.Qalandarabad (sub Area), 2. Jhangi Seydan (Jhangi), 3. Kehal (Urban), 4.Narian (Near Uma Masjid), 5. Nathiagali (Malach Village), 6. PMA road beside Gosht Mandi. It was further notified that exemption of this order includes essential services and supplies like Pharmacy, ration, patients for medical aid etc., and the lock down will be enforced after 24 hours of issuance of this notification so that the citizens of the said area may make necessary arrangements accordingly. Abbottabad police and officers in charge (assistant commissioners etc.)of local administrations with District Health Officer will monitor and ensure the implementation of smart lockdown in full spirit and TMA officials are directed for the disinfection of these areas with intimation to general public through loudspeakers and announcements through mosques.