ISLAMABAD: In view of the declining trend of Covid-19 cases prevailing in the country, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Monday relaxed a number of restrictions on commercial activities and official work.
According to a statement issued today (Monday), the development came during an NCOC session, with Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar in the chair.
The forum took a detailed review of the current disease situation in the country and made several decisions, which will be implemented from July 1-31, with a review on July 27.
The coronavirus monitoring body permitted restaurants to operate at a 50 percent indoor capacity but the exception has been made only for vaccinated individuals. “Indoor and outdoor dining had now been allowed till 11:59 pm, while indoor dining would be at a 50% occupancy only for those who have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine,” he added.
Restaurant and hotel management would institute a mechanism for checking of vaccination certificates of guests and will also ensure vaccination of respective management and staff.
The markets and business activities will continue till 10pm. However, essential services — petrol pumps, pharmacies, medical facilities, vaccination centre, milk shops, tandoors, and takeaways — are allowed to operate 24/7.
Four hundred people have been allowed to attend outdoor marriages, while indoor marriages have been permitted for only vaccinated individuals, with a cap of 200 people. Wedding halls association and managements will institute a mechanism for checking of vaccination certificates.
Shrines are allowed to re-open at the discretion of federating units, while adherence to strict COVID SOPs. Cinemas are allowed to re-open with strict COVID protocols for vaccinated individuals only till 01:00 AM.
A ban has been imposed on all types of indoor and outdoor gatherings including cultural, musical, religious, miscellaneous events. Offices to operate at 100% attendance The ban on contact sports — karate, boxing, martial arts, rugby, water polo, kabaddi, and wrestling — will remain in place.
The current inbound passenger policy will continue till further orders, while a policy on tourism would be issued. Summer vacations in the education sector would be at the discretion of respective federating units and no session is scheduled at NCOC in this regard.
