ISLAMABAD: In view of the declining new cases of COVID-19 in Pakistan, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has allowed commercial activities and resume transport services across the country but on a limited scale and under all the health protocols.
A special NCOC session was held today (Saturday) to review the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) throughout the “stay home, stay safe” May 8-16 period that had been set to contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
It was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and co-chaired by National Coordinator Lieutenant General Hamood Uz Zaman Khan. Special Assistant on Health Dr Faisal Sultan also participated.
The coronavirus monitoring body announced that public transport — between provinces, cities and within cities — will resume functioning from tomorrow (Sunday) instead of the previously announced May 17.
The forum also expressed satisfaction on compliance of SOPs during Eid holidays. “Forum appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders especially the cooperation rendered by public across the country,” read the statement.
According to NCOC, the transport will be operative with 50% occupancy of passengers. Railways will maintain its operation with 70% occupancy. All markets and shops will remain open till 8pm from May 17 onwards. Normal working hours for offices will be resumed from May 17 onwards.
The NCOC also urged the public of Pakistan to ensure prior registration on 1166 prior to walking in for vaccination and follow the COVID-19 related standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Pakistan today (Saturday) reported more than less than 2,000 coronavirus cases, the lowest number of daily cases since March, according to National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).
According to the data, Pakistan reported 1,531 new cases of the coronavirus in the past 24 hours, with 83 more dying from the infection. Pakistan conducted 30,248 tests of the infection, with the positivity ration standing at 5.06%.
