After a strict lockdown in Karachi, NCOC has issued new SOPs/restrictions for major cities of the country amid rising number of coronavirus cases.
On Monday, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar announced some new restrictions in major cities of Pakistan. Holding a press conference in Islamabad alongside Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, the minister said that all the decisions were taken after the approval of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Read more: Flouting SOPs could lead to another Covid wave, fears Dr Faisal
The minister said that the new coronavirus restrictions will come into effect from 3rd Aug and will remain in place until 31st Aug.
- In Punjab, restrictions will be imposed in cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan; in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar and Abbottabad will have the new restrictions.
- In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, restrictions will be imposed in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, while in Gilgit-Baltistan, the new rules will apply to Gilgit and Skardu.
- As for Sindh, Lockdowns are already in place in Karachi and Hyderabad, but after August 8, the NCOC’s new curbs will also apply, the minister said.
“Sindh will decide the new course of action regarding restrictions in the province after August 8. If Sindh decides to relax its restrictions after August 8, then the new curbs announced by the NCOC today will come into effect,” he said.
Restrictions from August 3-31 in major cities
- Commercial activities to be suspended by 8pm instead of 10pm.
- Indoor dining banned, outdoor allowed till 10pm instead of 12am.
- Restaurant takeaway and home delivery services allowed 24/7.
- Public transport to operate on a 50% capacity.
- Shops and markets to remain closed twice a week.
- Offices to continue operating on a 50% capacity.
Moreover, all commercial activities will be suspended by 8pm instead of 10pm, while indoor dining will remain banned. Meanwhile, outdoor dining will be allowed until 10pm instead of 12am, while takeaway and home-delivery services from restaurants will be allowed 24 hours a day.
