No lockdown for now, follow coronavirus SOPs, PM Imran Khan urges
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's government has decided against implementing a full lockdown across the country, but Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the general public to follow coronavirus standard operating procedures to avoid a "complete lockdown".
PM Khan addressed the state after chairing a crucial meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) Friday afternoon to offer an update on the new coronavirus restrictions because the country battles the third wave of the virus.
It was expected that a lockdown would be imposed in cities where the positivity ratio is above 10%.
The premier, however, announced that a lockdown wouldn't be implemented for now because it will affect the labor and their businesses.
He emphasised on the necessity to wear a mask in the least times. The premier said assistance will be taken from the Pakistan Army to implement coronavirus SOPs.
"Barely anyone is following SOPs anymore," he said, adding that if we aren't careful, things in Pakistan are going to be almost like that of India within the next one or fortnight .
After a quick statement, the premier handed the announcement over to Federal Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, who listed down a number of the important decisions taken during the NCC meeting.
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Important decisions taken in NCC meeting
Schools in cities with positivity rates above 5% closed until Eid, including classes 9-12
Markets to remain open till 6pm. Only essential businesses can operate after 6pm. an inventory of essential business are going to be issued.
Outdoor and indoor dining banned until Eid. Takeaway and deliveries are going to be allowed.
Indoor gyms to be closed.
Offices capacity at 50% and are to be closed daily at 2pm.
Eid shopping won't be possible after iftar.
50% work from home policy to be implemented in offices.
'Few days faraway from an entire lockdown'
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday had suggested more restrictions to regulate COVID-19.
“We will need to increase the restrictions. If we don't contain the rapid spread of the pandemic, we'll haven't any option but to impose an entire lockdown within the big cities,” Umar had said after chairing an NCOC meeting.
The minister had warned that this was the last chance for people to require the pandemic seriously as wiped out the primary wave last year. Otherwise, he warned, they might need to suffer strict restrictions.
He regretted that neither was the general public nor the administration showing responsibility to make sure full compliance with precautions and anti-COVID SOPs issued by the govt .
Umar had warned that the country was only a couple of days faraway from an entire lockdown so people must follow SOPs to stem the surge of COVID-19.
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