NCOC issues new guidelines for businesses amid spike in COVID-19

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday issued a fresh warning to business owners, warning them to shut down before or by 10pm.

As per the order, all shopping malls, restaurants, shops and marriage halls are ordered to be shut by 10 pm while parks and recreational spots to be closed by 6 pm from Thursday.

The decision was taken to curb the further spread of an already rising number of coronavirus infections.

Essential services such as medical stores, clinics and hospitals will remain open.

Earlier in the day, the Command Centre made it mandatory to wear face masks and ordered the provincial government for taking strict measures in view of the rising cases of coronavirus pandemic.

The decision was made during the meeting chaired by Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar.

Currently, 4,374 lockdowns have been imposed in Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Mirpur, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, local media reported.

The NCOC has directed all provinces to ensure people follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and wear masks particularly in restaurants, shopping malls, and public transport.

On Tuesday, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Imran Khan (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said that the second wave of the virus had started in the country. He said in the past few days, the country has been reporting 700 to 750 cases daily. He added that the death rate has also increased.