NCOC extends closure of educational institutions till September 15

Review will be carried out in the NCOC’s next meeting, scheduled for September 15

ISLMAABAD (Dunya News) – National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has decided to extend the closure of all educational institutions till September 15 in the 24 high disease districts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal capital.

According to a statement, shared through the NCOC’s official Twitter handle, the decision has been taken in view of ongoing trends of disease. However, a review will be carried out in the NCOC’s next meeting, scheduled for September 15.

NPIs enforced till 12th Sep in 24 high disease districts of Punjab, KP and ICT have been extended till 15th Sep 21. Review will be carried out on 15th Sep. pic.twitter.com/VfxpqQqwZA

— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) September 9, 2021

According to the NCOC, there would be a complete ban on indoor wedding ceremonies.

In addition to this, intercity public transport has been banned in the cities having a high percentage of coronavirus cases. Indoor gyms will also remain closed.

Earlier last week, the NCOC had extended COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) to 27 cities across the country with higher disease prevalence and healthcare occupancy due to rising number of infections.

The forum made the decision to continue implementation of COVID-19 SOPs in view of current pandemic situation and increasing pressure on Covid dedicated healthcare facilities.

The 27 cities to ensure strict enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions and SOPs included Islamabad, 11cities of Punjab (Khanewal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Bahawalpur, Multan, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Rahim Yar Khan).

It also included Hyderabad and Karachi in Sindh, Muzaffarabad and Mirpur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit and Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan, whereas the cities from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were Peshawar, Swat, Haripur, Mansehra, Lower Dir, Swabi, Abbottabad, Swat, and Chitral Lower.

The COVID-19 SOPs that were enforced noted that all commercial activities (except essential services) had to be closed at 8 pm. Moreover, all markets were closed two days a week whereas the determination of off days would be at the discretion of the provinces.

The restrictions on indoor dining in restaurants had been maintained while outdoor dining to be allowed at 10:00 pm. However, the takeaway service would remain open 24 hours a day.

The SOPs underscored that there would be a complete ban on indoor wedding ceremonies whereas outdoor wedding ceremonies with 300 guests would be permissible which would be until 10:00 pm.