NCOC Head and Federal Planning Minister Asad Umar on Tuesday announced to reopen all educational institutions from September 16 (Thursday) with 50 percent attendance policy, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, Asad Umar said that COVID-19 positivity ratio dropped in 18 districts across the country.

Asad Umar said strict restrictions will remain imposed in six districts. “In last two weeks, oxygen demand increased by two percent,” he added.

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Giving further details of the NCOC decisions, Asad Umar said people who have still not been completely vaccinated against the coronavirus will be barred from shopping, dining, and travel (both domestic and international) after September 30, 

The minister revealed that the government has altered its approach regarding the implementation of the coronavirus SOPs. “Instead of closing industries and businesses, we will increase the restrictions on unvaccinated individuals,” he further elaborated.

Following are the restrictions that will be imposed on Pakistanis not fully vaccinated by the end of this month: 

• Entry of unvaccinated teaching, non-teaching staff inside educational institutions banned 
• Hotels, guest houses to close bookings for unimmunised people 
• Air travel, both domestic and international, banned 
• Entry inside shopping malls banned 
• No entry inside restaurants, wedding halls 
• Asad Umar stressed the need of vaccination for people across the country. “Especially those who are yet to receive their second shot of the vaccine, we request you to go and get it as soon as possible.” 

The government is currently providing vaccines worth Rs200 billion all over Pakistan. “There are thousands of vaccination centres. We have even formed mobile vaccination teams. If people are still not getting immunised, we will have to increase the restrictions,” the minister warned. 

He maintained that the government has set a target to vaccinate 40 percent of the population above 15 years by the end of September. “It is not difficult. In Islamabad, 52 percent of people have been fully vaccinated.” 

Earlier, the NCOC had closed public transport and educational institutions in 24 districts across the country. 

Out of these, the relaxations have been announced in all cities except Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Multan, and Bannu. In these cities, buses can resume inter-city transport by accommodating 50% capacity of passengers. Schools will reopen with 50% attendance and outdoor dining will stay open till 10pm. 

Only vaccinated persons will be allowed to visit amusement parks and outdoor gatherings with 400 people will be allowed.