ISLAMABAD: National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) has recommended strict restrictions in Karachi after coronavirus in the country has spread again, with the rate of cases in Sindh capital exceeding 40 percent.
A meeting of the NCOC chaired by Federal Minister and Chairman Asad Umar decided to impose a complete ban on indoor events in cities with more than 10 percent coronavirus cases.
Outdoor events can be attended by up to 500 people in cities with less than 10 percent rate, while in cities with less than 10 percent rate, 300 people will be able to participate in indoor events.
It was decided to continue the implementation of precautionary measures till January 31. However, the NCOC will review the situation at its meeting on January 27.
Read more: DG schools issues advisory for parents amid COVID-19 surge in Sindh
The meeting also decided to maintain precautionary measures against wedding halls till February 15. The health department also recommended a ban on public gatherings in Karachi and the closure of wedding halls, shrines, cinemas, gyms, and parks.
The health department said that in cities with more than 10 percent cases, strictures should be tightened and recommendations on increasing the number of coronavirus cases would be sent to the provincial government.
In Karachi, it was proposed to close schools for children up to 12 years of age, halve the number of passengers in public transport, 50% vacancies in health department trains, and a complete ban on outdoor dining and sports activities.
It should be noted that 5,472 new cases of coronavirus were reported across the country while 8 more people have died due to the virus in the last 24 hours.
According to figures released by the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC), a total of 1,338,993 people were infected with coronavirus across the country while 29,037 people lost their lives to the virus.
