Coronavirus SOPs: Businesses to operate only 5 days a week, close at 8pm in Pakistan

NCOC meeting
In view of the surge in coronavirus cases in the country, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) on Monday issued renewed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the virus, adding that they would be implemented with immediate effect.

Per the new guidelines, all businesses will only be allowed to operate five days a week, while all commercial activities will be closed by 8 pm.

Under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, the NCOC meeting was held on Monday and was attended by the chief secretaries of all provinces via video link.

The forum expressed grave concern over the current COVID-19 situation in the country and unanimously agreed to implement some high impact interventions in cities and districts with positivity greater than 8% to contain the spread of the disease.

In cities with a coronavirus positivity ratio of less than 8%, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) which are already in place will continue to be enforced based on risk assessment and disease prevalence.

According to a notification issued in this regard, the following measures will be taken:

Implementation of broader lockdowns with stringent enforcement protocols based on risk assessment. No mobility will be allowed except for emergencies.

Closure of all type of indoor dining. However, outdoor dining will be permitted till 10:00pm. Takeaways will be allowed.

Closure of all commercial activities (less essential services) by 8:00pm.

Two safe days per week will be observed. Choice of days will be at the discretion of the federating units.

Gatherings with an upper limit of 300 persons will be allowed with strict adherence to COVID-19 SOPs. However, all types of indoor gatherings involving cultural, musical/religious or miscellaneous events will be banned.

Complete closure of cinemas and shrines will continue to be enforced.

Complete ban on contact sports, festivals, cultural and other events.

Outdoor wedding functions till 10:00pm with an upper limit of 300 guests will be allowed with strict adherence to COVID-19 SOPs (event duration two hours only). No indoor functions will be allowed.

Complete closure of amusement parks, however, walking/jogging tracks will remain open with strict adherence to COVID-19 SOPs.

50% work-from-home policy will continue (including all public/private offices and courts).

Intercity public transport to operate at 50% of capacity.

Rail service to operate at 70% of capacity

Compulsory mask-wearing will be ensured by all federating units while incorporating innovative measures for enforcement.

Reduced presence at courts (City, District, High Courts and SC).

Stringent protocols for tourism in GB, KP, AJK and touristic places elsewhere. Sentinel testing sites at entry points / selected locations will be established.

Mass media coverage highlighting punitive actions.

These high impact interventions will be implemented immediately and will remain enforced till April 11, 2021. A review of the situation will be carried out at the NCOC on April 7, 2021.

The statement further said that a review of decisions related to the education sector, enforced with effect from March 10, 2021, will be carried out on March 24, 2021 at the NCOC.



from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/3c9KttJ

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Study in UK with Studyinuk.pk

Tesla pulls games on moving car screens after US safety probe

Sania Mirza to quit tennis this year

Petrol may go up by Rs25, HSD by Rs40

Study in the UK Without IELTS: Your Pathway with Study Icon Murree Consultancy

New on Sports Illustrated: Looking Back at Nick Saban's Impact on LSU

FIA files case against Jahangir Tareen in sugar scam, money laundering

Apple unveil one or more new iPhones which use ultrafast 5G wireless technology

PM Imran Khan launches spring tree plantation drive

Abandoning Afghanistan peace process for any reason would be a great travesty: PM Khan