ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has called a special meeting on January 17 to ponder over reintroducing strict coronavirus guidelines in the country to stem the spread of Covid-19 fueled by Omicron variant.
The decision to call the special meeting was taken in an NCOC huddle here on Saturday that also discussed the proposed SOPs including possible closure of schools and other educational institutions, ban on public gatherings and Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) in wedding halls.
The meeting also decided to enhance its contacts with the Sindh government in view of the steep rise in coronavirus infections in the province especially in Karachi where the positivity ratio topped 35 percent during the last 24 hours.
The NCOC said the provincial education and health ministers will also attend its special meeting on Monday.
The NCOC has also directed the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to ban the serving of food during flights. The offering of snacks and food in public transport will also be banned from January 17, the NCOC added.
The NCOC also directed the CAA to ensure implementation of NPIs including wearing of facemasks. It also urged all the provinces to take strict measures for enforcing the SOPs in this regard.
The forum asked federating units to take strict measures against violators of existing SOPs and ensure enforcement of obligatory vaccination regimes.
Provinces have been asked to carry out immediate surveys of health care facilities (including oxygenated beds), oxygen stocks, and reserves.
NCOC has directed all quarters to fast-track vaccination drive and ramp up efforts to achieve vaccination target. (With input from INP)
