ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government’s central body dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), said on Monday it would revisit its “school opening modalities” in a meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, as COVID-19 cases surged, a state news agency said.
Monday’s NCOC meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and rising positivity rates, corresponding actions, and the national vaccine strategy came under discussion.
“The officials also considered deferring the opening up of cinemas, indoor weddings, and dine-in restaurants, which were expected to reopen from March 15. However, a decision on this has not been announced yet,” APP reported. “The meeting also reviewed the rising positivity trend prevailing across the country and expressed its concerns over public complacency.”
Last month Pakistan announced it would ease a number of coronavirus restrictions, including lifting time limits on commercial activities, allowing indoor dining at restaurants from March 15 and restarting regular five-day classes at schools from March 1.
“Time-limit lifted from commercial activities and amusement parks, condition of 50% work from home removed,” the NCOC had said. “Indoor wedding ceremonies will be allowed from 15th March 21 … Indoor dining allowed from 15th March subject to the review on 10th March.”
The NCOC also allowed cinemas and shrines to reopen from March 15, with coronavirus guidelines in place.
“Wearing of mask, social distancing, smart lockdowns will continue and will be ensured,” the body said.
Last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced it had decided to postpone the ongoing Pakistan Super League cricket series after a number of players tested positive for the coronavirus.
Pakistan recorded 1,591 news cases on Monday, taking the total number of COVID-19 infections to 592,100, with 13,227 deaths.
