NCOC withdraws indoor activities

Aftab Ahmed

The NCOC has withdrawn a decision of allowing indoor weddings, indoor dining, and the opening of cinemas and Shrines with effect from 15th March 21.

However, outdoor dining/takeaway will continue to remain open as per previous practice. Outdoor gatherings will continue to remain limited to a maximum of 300 individuals with strict enforcement of Covid-19 SOPs.

NCOC morning session held and Mr. Asad Umar presided. The government will implement a 50% work from the home policy at the discretion of federating units. However, it will enforce in ICT with immediate effect.

The forum was given a comprehensive update and review about non-pharmaceutical interventions already issued and which were valid till 15th March. In view of the prevailing diseases pattern and rising positivity ratio, the following has been decided:

Strict compliance with Mask Wearing will continue across the board. The government will continue imposing SLDs / Micro SLDs on the disease prevalence/hotspots.

NCOC will re-enforce a time limit of 10:00 PM on all commercial activities with immediate effect, less essential services. The goverenment will close amusement Parks across the country at 6:00 PM and will carry ot a review of all NPIs on 12th April 21.

Moreover, the above-mentioned decisions regarding NPIs are the baseline decisions. Federating units are at liberty to impose stricter NPIs in selected Cities / Districts keeping in view the local disease trend/spread.