ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) has decided to lift the restrictions in cities with high vaccine uptake.

A meeting was convened under the chairmanship of NCOC chief Asad Umar to review the pandemic situation in the country and also complete vaccination process in different cities.

A statement issued by the NCOC said that keeping in view the vaccination of a large number of eligible people of the country it has been decided to lift the restrictions that were put in place to control the spread of the pandemic and gradually normalise the living conditions in the high performing cities to encourage them.

The statement apprised that Islamabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gilgit and Mirpur have been declared the best cities for vaccinating 60 per cent of the population while Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Peshawar, Ghizer, Kurmang, Skardu, Hunza, Bagh and Bhimber were declared as better vaccinated cities by vaccinating 40 to 60 per cent of their eligible population.

The NCOC says non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on gatherings and weddings have been lifted in the best-vaccinated cities, while restrictions on sports grounds, trade, indoor dining and business have also been lifted.

The forum added that in the best vaccinated cities, the number of passengers on inter-district travel has been increased to 100 per cent, while in less vaccinated cities, the number of passengers has been reduced to 80 per cent. Restrictions on weddings and sports grounds, trade, business, indoor dining, cinema, gyms, shrines and the transport sector will remain in place until November 15.

During the meeting, it has been decided to limit public gatherings in good and less vaccinated cities from 500 to 300 respectively. The continuation of all facilities is subject to full vaccination and mandatory use of masks.

The NCOC says the decisions will be reviewed at a meeting on November 12.