The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) will take up a decision regarding imposing restrictions in wake of fifth wave of coronavirus, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Monday.

The meeting is likely to reach a decision regarding the closure of schools, a preventive measure amid the dangerous rise in COVID-19 infections, after reviewing the existing coronavirus situation in the country.

The forum had convened a meeting and invited the federal and provincial health and education ministers to suggest a new set of guidelines to deal with the worsening coronavirus situation in the country over the weekend.

A new set of SOPs is to be put forth in today's meeting, with its focus on schools and the education sector as a whole, public gatherings, marriage ceremonies, indoor/outdoor dining, and the transport sector.

The meeting will discuss ways and means to prevent the spread of coronavirus in schools, colleges, and universities. The decision to extensively engage with provinces, especially with the Sindh government, was made in the last NCOC meeting on Saturday for necessary measures to tackle the rising coronavirus numbers.

Meanwhile, Punjab health minister Yasmin Rashid said that they do not favour the closure of schools. "We don't want the schools shut since education has already suffered enough,” Rashid said.

She said that Punjab has vaccinated 80% of its students in schools and colleges.

Talking about the fast approaching Pakistan Super League 2022, the minister said NCOC is to decide on whether it will allow spectators at the venues or not.