Karachi: Those found without masks will be liable to a fine of Rs500

The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) has issued major Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for cities including Karachi, where there is a huge positive rate of Coronavirus cases.

According to the notification, the SOPs issued will benefit to curb the higher risk and spread of novel Coronavirus in Karachi and other cities.

These SoPs will be implemented from today (Saturday).

According to a notification, public and private offices have been asked to ensure that fifty percent of their staff members will work from home.

Indoor wedding ceremonies will not be allowed from 20th of this month, however outdoor wedding parties will be allowed.

On the other hand, according to an order issued by city commissioner Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, anyone seen without wearing mask outside their homes, will be liable to a fine of Rs500 in Karachi.

According to the statement issued, due to the fear of a second wave of the novel coronavirus, the wearing of masks has been made mandatory in Karachi. The commissioner has directed all six deputy commissioners of the city to make sure that citizens are wearing masks.

Also Read

Coronavirus Pakistan: More 11 deaths, 807 positive cases reported in 24 hours

So far, Pakistan has reported eleven more casualties due to Coronavirus pandemic...

“The deputy commissioners need to make sure that citizens when outside wear masks compulsorily. For those found without masks, they’re directed to take action against them and impose a fine of Rs500.”

The commissioner has also asked the shopkeepers and the traders to make sure that in markets and shops, all SOPs are implemented and social distancing is adopted.

He has asked the shopkeepers to not allow shoppers inside their shops or markets without masks.

Strict actions to be taken against shopkeepers and traders found violating the SOPs, directed the commissioner.

“The current situation is a challenge for us, for which we will take measures on a war footing basis,” he said adding that without public support, the implementation of SOPs could not be possible.

“To control the virus, he said, “every person must wear a mask and use sanitizer.”

A week earlier, fourteen restaurants and amusement park were sealed in District South for violating the SOPs devised by the government. The Serena mobile market was sealed for a day over non-compliance with the mandatory SOPs.