Markets to shut at 8PM as NCOC re-imposes restrictions Over COVID spike

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has on Monday (today) planned to tighten Coronavirus related restrictions to curb the spread of the deadly pandemic.

The NCOC meeting took place today under the chairmanship of Minister for Planning Asad Umar in which the ongoing dangerous situation of the novel Coronavirus came under discussion.

People would be only allowed to travel in case of emergency however markets across Pakistan would be completely closed on Saturday and Sunday, said NCOC.

The NCOC has also announced strict restrictions in cities with a positive coronavirus rate of more than 8%, which will be applied till April 11.

“A strict restriction has been implemented at all indoor activities across the country. Whereas, only take-aways will be allowed at the outdoor dining till 10 PM.”

The NCOC further added that all kinds of trading services and business will shut by 8 PM and a strict lockdown will be imposed with all possible standard operating procedures (SOPs) following the third COVID-19 strain.

Gatherings of more than 300 people will be allowed only under stringent SOPs implementation, added NCOC.

Earlier in the day, Minister for Planning Asad Umar said the decision regarding strict restrictions across the country will help fight the sharp spike in the novel Coronavirus.

The Minister said the provinces and Islamabad Administration have been directed to launch a crackdown on the violations of SOPs.

In the NCOC meeting this morning we decided to increase restrictions of activities contributing to sharp increase in covid positivity. The provincial & ICT administration were also directed to tighten implementation of sop's and crackdown on violations which are taking place.

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— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) March 22, 2021

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