Covid SOPs violations 'upset' NCOC, strict restrictions 'under consideration'

The govenrment had earlier relaxed curbs in the wake of declining Covid cases.

The warning came during a meeting of the NCOC chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, according to a statement issued by the centre.

The forum noted that the SOPs had been taking place at restaurants, in-door gymnasiums, marriage halls, transportation, markets, tourist spots and others.

It was decided that the chief secretaries from all the provinces would be invited to review the violations, come up with a strict mechanism to enforce SOPS, and ramp up the vaccination drive in the country.

In consultation with all federating units, the NCOC has increased the number of vaccination centres in the provinces where Moderna vaccines will be administered.

Dr Faisal indicates uptick in cases

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan in a tweet said here has been a small but noticeable increase in coronavirus cases in the country.

Covid data from last week show small but definitive uptick in cases, percentage positivity and other parameters.

Masks, avoidance of large crowds and continued vaccination remain crucial tools in this work

— Faisal Sultan (@fslsltn) July 5, 2021

He appealed to the masses to continue following the government's mandated SOPs, including wearing masks, avoiding crowds and getting vaccinated — all of which can help prevent the spike in cases.

Qurantine for Afghan students

The NCOC announced safety protocols for 3,000 Afghan students who started arriving in the country and would undergo 10-day mandatory quarantine.

The NCOC session was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar.

The Forum was informed that these Afghan students were studying in different educational institutions of the country. There have been effective Coronavirus testing arrangements made on the arrival of students, the Forum was told.

It added that the students with positive tests would be sent back to Afghanistan while the rest of the students would be kept in compulsory quarantine for 10 days.

As per the safety protocols, at the culmination of their quarantine, students would be vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccine, the Forum was briefed.