NCOC announces stricter restrictions amid looming fifth wave of COVID-19

Islamabad: In a bid to curb the looming fifth wave of the COVID pandemic fuelled by the Omicron variant of coronavirus, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) Wednesday announced new stricter restrictions which will take effect on January 28.   

The health ministry revised restrictions for cities with high COVID positivity ratio.

The fifth wave of the pandemic has continued its upward trajectory in Pakistan, hence the country is tightening its COVID related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with each passing day.

Needless to say, the fifth wave of the corona is looming over Pakistan, pushing country to impose coronavirus SOPs for education and other sectors.

The new guidelines announced by NCOC include mandatory Covid-19 vaccination and possession of proof of Covid-19 vaccination, applicable for all children above 12 years of age.

Following the meeting, NCOC banned indoor dining completely, while granted permission to outdoor gatherings, including weddings, with a cap of fully vaccinated 300 guests — applicable from January 24.

As coronavirus continues its momentum, the cities and districts which have a positivity ratio of up to 10%, the classes will continue as usual, but with stringent COVID-19 rules intact.

Educational institutes have been directed to conduct classes daily for students above 12 years of age, with 50% attendance.

For students (fully vaccinated) over 12 years, the NCOC has recommended 100% attendance.

The revised restrictions were imposed during an NCOC session, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar.

The guidelines and SOPs have been applied on education, restaurant, entertainment and other sectors.

Moreover, public transport will be allowed to operate with 70% capacity, instructing people to wear masks throughout their journey, with complete effect from January 20. However, railways will operate with 80% occupancy level, starting January 24.

Authorities will meet again on January 27 to review the COVID-19 situation.

In the meantime, Pakistan has witnessed an enormous spike in its daily tally of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) after as many as 5,472 new infections were logged in the last 24 hours, according to morning update by ministry of health.

Pakistan’s COVID positivity rate now stands at 9.48%. While, the cumulative tally of the country has now climbed to 1,338,993.  As many as 1,265,239 patients have recovered from the disease.