NOCC announces ease in lockdown restrictions

KARACHI: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) announced that the COVID-19 restrictions on indoor dining, wedding gatherings and movie screenings at cinemas would be eased up. The ease, will, however, come with certain conditions in order to ensure health safety.

The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and was co-chaired by National Coordinator Lt Gen Hamood Uz Zaman Khan. During the meeting it was decided that the changes in lockdown restrictions would be implemented from July 2021 and a review would be carried out on the 27th of July to see the impact the relaxation will have on the number of corona cases in the country.

As per the press release, “indoor and outdoor dining is allowed till 11:59pm. However, indoor dining at 50pc occupancy is allowed for vaccinated individuals only.” It was made clear that the onus would be on the restaurant and hotel management to make sure they ensure that their own staff is vaccinated and to also check the vaccination certificates of the customers. Cinemas will also be allowed to re-open, however “with strict Covid protocols for vaccinated individuals only till 1am.

As far as weddings are concerned, the NCOC decided that up to 400 guests will be allowed in outdoor weddings and 200 guests for indoor weddings, as along SOPs are being followed. The hall administration will also have to ensure that staff and guests have proof of vaccination.

Shrines will be allowed to re-open as well and timings for commercial activities and businesses will extend to 10 pm. Essential services will continue to be available 24/7.