NCOC imposes new restrictions as Omicron cases surge

National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) has announced to impose new restrictions as Omicron cases surge across the country.

The decision was taken during the meeting presided by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives and NCOC head Asad Umar.

The standard operating procedures (SOPs) will continue from January 20 to January 31 while special non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) will be enforced for wedding halls till February 15.

As per the news source, the participants will meet again on January 27 to review the COVID-19 situation.

New announced COVID restrictions are as follows:

• Classes for students aged below 12 years will be allowed with 50 percent attendance in cities having an infection rate of over 10%. In other cities, however, schools will remain open with full attendance and students over the age of 12 years must be fully vaccinated.
• Vaccination of students above 12 years will be compulsory from Feb 1.
• Large-scale testing will be carried out at “high disease prevalence” educational institutes for targeted closure.
• Markets and businesses will continue to operate without any restriction.
• Indoor and outdoor dining, as well as wedding functions, will be allowed only for vaccinated people.
• There will be a complete ban on indoor dining and weddings in cities with over 10% Covid positivity ratio with effect from Jan 24. However, outdoor dining and weddings with a maximum limit of 300 fully vaccinated guests will be allowed.
• Only vaccinated people will be allowed in gyms, cinemas, shrines, and amusement parks. However, 50% capacity will be ensured at these places in cities with more than a 10% positivity rate.
• Public transport will operate with 70% occupancy (trains at 80%) for fully vaccinated and mask-wearing will be mandatory throughout the journey.