The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) has allowed the reopening of schools in districts with less than 5 percent COVID-19 positivity ratio while rest of the schools will be reopening 7 June 2021 in a staggered manner.
The decision comes after a meeting of the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), which was held under the Federal Minister for Development and Planning Asad Umar alongside Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health (SAPM) Dr Faisal Sultan.
In the meeting, the NCOC reviewed the current COVID-19 situation across the country and made important decisions regarding restrictions put in place to combat the third wave of infections, including reopening of schools in districts where the coronavirus has been brought under control.
Reopening of schools
The NCOC has allowed the reopening of schools from 24 May 2021 in districts where the coronavirus positivity ratio is less than 5 percent while all other educational institutions will be allowed to reopen from 24 May 2021, however, in a staggered manner.
SSC and HSSC Exams
The NCOC also decided that all SSC and HSSC exams will be held after 20 June 2021, while professional and non-professional exams would take place on a case-to-case basis depending on recommendations from the Ministry of Education.
Public Transport
Inter-provincial public transport will resume from 22 May 2021 but remain closed for two days (Saturday and Sunday), which will be observed as safe days.
Restaurants
The NCOC has allowed restaurants to open outdoor dining till 11.59pm while takeaways will be allowed to 24/7.
Marriages
Outdoor marriage ceremonies have been allowed with an upper limit of 150 individuals, said the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC).
Offices
Normal office working hours will be allowed, which is already in effect, with 50 percent staff working from home.
Markets
As stated earlier, the markets are allowed to open till 8pm.
Restrictions in Place
Shrines, cinemas, indoor dining, indoor gyms, amusement parks, contact sports, festivals, cultural and other events, and indoor/outdoor gatherings are still prohibited.
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