The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday has called for banning large public gatherings and enhance restrictions in high-risk areas due to Covid-19 resurge amid rising possible second wave of the pandemic.

The NCOC meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar reviewed the epidemic curve data and disease prevalence in the country including education sector.

The Forum was told that the disease had increased three folds since the NCOC recommended banning large public gatherings and outdoor activities on October 12 and November 3 to the National Coordination Committee (NCC) for its final decision. However, a consensus by all the stakeholders is awaited.

The Forum was briefed that there is increasing positivity ratio in educational institutions and there is a need to check this trend. The forum decided that on 16 November the Federal Minister for Education would chair a special meeting at NCOC with provincial education ministers on board to assess and review the positivity prevailing in educational institutions.

After consultative discussions, the recommendations would be shared with the provinces for consequent decision and enforcement.

The Forum taking into account rising positivity ratio suggested for an early and extended winter vacations to reduce the impact of disease spread and ensure the safety and health of students.

Guidelines on marriages

Only outdoor marriages with upper limit of 500 people are allowed from Nov 20th

NCOC also suggested for NCC meeting to increase restrictions on high-risk sectors and particularly large public gatherings.

NCOC recommended urgent and emergency measures to NCC for final approval after consensus by all stakeholders.

NCOC appreciated SOP compliance in mosques so far since last many months however noted decline in compliance at present and appealed to all stakeholders to further follow the same rather enhance amid possible second wave.

NCOC suggesting following measures to all stakeholders for input and subsequently recommended to NCC for approval by national leadership across Pakistan.

The measures include:

Public gatherings

All public gatherings of more than 500 people be banned including political, cultural, religious, entertainment and civil society gatherings

Early and extended winter vacations after input by Federal / Provincial Education ministers

Restaurants

Only outdoor dining till 10 pm and takeaway

Cinemas and theatres will be closed with immediate effect

Shrines to be closed with immediate effect

Early closing of markets with safe days