ISLAMABAD: The NCOC has decided to impose a wide lockdown with strict SOPs due to the increase in the severity of corona in the country.
According to a statement issued by the National Command and Operations Center, an emergency meeting of the NCOC was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister Asad Umar in which important decisions were taken regarding the increasing cases of Corona and religious and cultural activities during Ramadan. These decisions will take effect immediately.
'Extensive lockdown to be imposed'
It was decided at the meeting that a comprehensive lockdown would be imposed with strict SOPs and unnecessary movement during the lockdown would be prohibited except for emergencies. The federal units can take action after seeing the spread of the disease in the districts and cities. If the federal units want, they can also take more drastic measures with regard to SOPs. During Ramadan, SOPs will be strictly enforced to prevent corona, and a masking campaign will be launched through the community and media.
'Complete ban on all kinds of events'
It was decided at the meeting that all kinds of social and cultural events would be completely banned, all kinds of indoor and outdoor events would be banned, cinemas, shrines and public parks would remain completely closed.
"Markets should be closed by 6 pm"
The NCOC has decided that all types of markets, bazaars and shopping malls across the country will remain open from dawn to 6 pm while business will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
'Performing Taraweeh prayers'
The National Command and Operations Center has directed that Taraweeh prayers be offered in open spaces across the country.
Also instructions for offices and banks
It was decided at the meeting that the working hours of all private and public banks across the country would be from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Thursday while the banks would be open from 10 am to 1 pm on Friday. In addition, all private and government offices will have a 50% work-from-home policy.
'Restrictions on public transport too'
Intra-city transport will run with 50 per cent passengers across the country, the railways will run with 70 per cent passengers, additional trains will run to avoid rush hour during Ramadan, and inter-provincial public transport will be closed every week and Sunday. Inter-provincial transport will be banned until the night of April 25-26.
"When will the sanctions review meetings be held?"
The NCOC review meeting on SOPs will be held on April 10, while the review meeting on inter-provincial transport will be held on April 20.
