Extended Eid holidays suggestion sent to Ministry of Interior
The National Command Operation Centre has reportedly advised the government to announce Eid holidays from May 10 to May 16 as the country battles the deadly third wave of the coronavirus.
The suggestion for week-long holidays has been sent to the Ministry of Interior which will take the final decision and then send its proposal to the federal cabinet for the final decision.
Meanwhile, all provinces as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) have also sought services of the armed forces to get the coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) enforced.
New COVID restrictions
On April 23, Pakistan imposed stricter COVID-19 measures to curb the spread of the virus. The following decisions were announced.
- Schools to be closed in all districts with positivity rates higher than 5% including classes from 9-12.
- Complete closure of markets from 6pm till Sehri. Only essential services/shops (medical stores, vaccination centers, petrol pumps) will be allowed to remain open till late.
- Indoor and outdoor dining completely banned and only takeaway is allowed.
- Two days will be observed as closed days every week (choice of days will be as per discretion of federating units) and Section 144 will be imposed for strict implementation of restrictions.
- Indoor gyms to remain closed.
- Offices to close at 2 pm with 50% staff to work from home.
- New health measures to remain enforced from April 23 to May 17.
Detailed decision on new restrictions was shared on social media by official NCOC account.