Govt asks businesses to strictly implement “no mask, no service”

Businesses and shops in Pakistan may refuse customer service for not wearing a mask

Federal Minister Asad Umar asked the shopkeepers to follow a “No Mask No Service” policy after the federal government made it mandatory for everyone in public places to wear masks. Umar wants businesses to refuse their services to anyone who doesn’t follow this directive.

A meeting of the National Command and Operations Center took place under the chairmanship of Asad Umar.

The meeting was attended by Special Assistants to the Prime Minister Dr. Zafar Mirza and Dr. Moeed Yousaf. The Ministers of Interior, Food Security and Economic Affairs were also present. The meeting finalized recommendations for an upcoming meeting of the National Coordinating Committee (NCC).

The meeting also sought details about the availability of beds and other facilities in the country. Implementation of a resource management system across the country was also okayed from Monday The Ministry of Health is mobilizing final year medical students, young doctors and house job doctors.

Dr. Mirza said that young doctors will be employed with the help of walk through interviews. The meeting also called for community mobilization in the provinces and setting up of call centers by June 15.

COVID-19 has been on the rise in the last few weeks in Pakistan. Shopping centers and malls were opened towards the end of Ramadan to allow Eid shoppers to make their purchases. In a recent press conference, Dr. Zafar Mirza had hinted at re-imposing the lockdown. However, the suggestion has not been formally approved or announced thus far.

Currently, more than 72,000 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus so far. 1,543 people have succumbed to the virus while over 26,000 people have made a full recovery. During the last 24 hours, more than 2,900 cases have come to fore with 60 people passing away.