Tag: NCOC

  • Rise in Covid cases: NCOC issues Eid-ul-Azha guidelines

    Rise in Covid cases: NCOC issues Eid-ul-Azha guidelines

    The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday released new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the public to abide by on Eid-ul-Azha amid a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases.

    Protocols for Eid-ul-Azha Prayers:
    • Eid-ul-Azha prayers should be conducted in open spaces under the strict rules of Covid-19.
    • Two to Three Eid prayers should be arranged at one venue.
    • Eid prayer sermons should be kept short.
    • A face mask is compulsory at the place of prayer.
    • The venue should have multiple entrances and exits.
    • The availability of hand sanitisers at the point of entry must be ensured by venue organisers.
    • Social distance protocols should be ensured by properly marking the distance.
    • Efforts should be made to prevent people from greeting and shaking hands after prayers.
    Protocols for Qurbani:
    • Efforts will be made to encourage and promote central/collective sacrifice ensuring compliance with Covid-19 rules on wearing masks, social distance, and avoiding large crowds.
    • The provinces will launch awareness campaigns to inform the public about the possible spread of Covid-19 during meat distribution, so caution should be exercised in the handling/distribution of meat.
    • A limited number of people will be allowed at the collective sacrifice venue.
  • Surge in Covid-19 cases: PM urges nation to follow SOPs

    Surge in Covid-19 cases: PM urges nation to follow SOPs

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has urged Pakistanis to follow Covid-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

    “In view of the resurgence of corona cases in the country, I urge the entire nation to follow the instructions and SOPs related to corona. Our front-line workers and doctors have made many sacrifices to keep us safe. We must not waste these gains against Corona,” tweeted PM Shehbaz.

    Earlier today, PM Shehbaz also chaired a meeting to discuss the Covid-19 situation in the country. The provincial and district governments were given orders by the premier to strictly enforce safety precautions and take additional action to control the spread of the virus.

    The government has decided to increase the number of coronavirus tests.

    Pakistan’s Covid-19 positivity rate has risen to 3.50 per cent today (Wednesday), according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

    According to NIH data, 451 people were infected with the virus and one death has been reported in the last 24 hours.

  • Surge in Covid-19 cases in Pakistan

    Surge in Covid-19 cases in Pakistan

    Pakistan’s Covid-19 positivity rate has gone to 1.22 per cent today (Thursday), according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad.

    According to NIH data, 144 people have been found infected with the virus and one death has been reported.

    The positivity rate was at 0.83 per cent on Wednesday with 106 cases.

    In April, Pakistan reported zero Covid-19-related deaths for the first time since the breakout of the pandemic in the country.

    In March, the government announced the closure of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). The body was set up in March 2020 to deal with Covid-19.

  • Covid rise: PM orders reopening of National Command and Operation Center

    Covid rise: PM orders reopening of National Command and Operation Center

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate restoration of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) after Pakistan reports its first case of the Covid Omicron sub-variant. The NCOC was disbanded in March after covid cases were on the decline.

    According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s House, the premier took notice of the new variant of Omicron and its growing cases. “He has also sought a report from the National Institute of Health (NIH) over the current Covid-19 situation,” it said.

    https://twitter.com/PMO_PK/status/1523912826787667968?s=20&t=TXvYAouDrl9564PVgoXaQw

    Pakistan detected its first case of Omicron sub-variant on Tuesday.

    “NIH has detected the first case of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1. This new sub-variant is causing an increasing number of cases in different countries.” NIC also advised citizens to take preventive measures.

    NCOC, which was tackling Covid-19 in Pakistan, was shut down on March 31.

    On March 16, NCOC decided to lift all the Covid-19 related restrictions amid the decline in cases.

  • NCOC closed, PM Khan congratulates NCOC team for ‘professional, nationally coordinated response’

    NCOC closed, PM Khan congratulates NCOC team for ‘professional, nationally coordinated response’

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has congratulated the team of the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC) on their brilliant performance in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “I want to congratulate the NCOC team & its leadership for a professional, nationally-coordinated response to the pandemic. As a result, our Covid response was recognised by int agencies & people in the field as one of the most successful globally,” he tweeted.

    Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar in a tweet said, “Today is last day of NCOC operation. With covid indicators at all time lows & high levels of vaccination, baton now being passed on to the health ministry. Chairing NCOC during last 2 years & working with the most dedicated team has been the greatest privilege and honour of my life.”

    Read more- NCOC decides to lift all covid related restrictions

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Dr Faisal Sultan on March 12 announced that the government has decided to shut down the NCOC.

  • Pakistan reports no deaths due to Covid for the first time in two years

    Pakistan reports no deaths due to Covid for the first time in two years

    For the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country, Pakistan has reported zero Covid deaths today (Wednesday).

    The country witnessed a slight rise in cases, with a 1.28 per cent positivity rate and 443 reported new cases, as per the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).

    However, the country has been maintaining a positivity rate below 2 per cent since mid-March.

    Earlier, NCOC chief Asad Umar had announced the decision to lift all the Covid-19 related restrictions but made it clear that the vaccination restriction would not be lifted.

    On March 12, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Dr Faisal Sultan announced the government’s decision to shut down NCOC.

    In recent months, the rate of Covid cases in Pakistan has remained low after almost three years of fighting the global pandemic.

  • Govt to close the National Command and Operation centre: Dr Faisal Sultan

    Govt to close the National Command and Operation centre: Dr Faisal Sultan

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (PM) on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, Dr Faisal Sultan has announced that the government has decided to shut down the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC).

    According to Dr Sultan, PM Khan himself is expected to formally announce the shutting down of NCOC by the end of next month. He said that the responsibilities of the NCOC will be carried out by the National Institute of Health.

    March 27 will mark the 2nd anniversary of the establishment of the NCOC.

    NCOC was established after the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in Pakistan. The centre is the main entity in charge of Pakistan’s national Covid-19 effort’s policies and implementation.

    In recent months, the rate of Covid cases in Pakistan has gotten low after almost three years of fighting the global pandemic.

  • Food ban to be lifted from domestic flights: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority

    Food ban to be lifted from domestic flights: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority

    The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) will lift the ban on food services on domestic flights from March 1, ARY News has reported.

    The ban was imposed on January 15, due to a rise in Covid-19 cases in the country. The ban was imposed on both domestic and international flights. However, the ban on international flights has not been lifted yet.

    The spokesperson of PCAA has said that passengers still need to follow precautionary Covid-19 measures during travel.

    As per the National Command Operation Centre (NCOC), Pakistan recorded 1,207 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours while 14 people lost their lives to the deadly virus.

  • Get your seat online: PCB announces ticket availability for Pakistan-Australia Test series

    Get your seat online: PCB announces ticket availability for Pakistan-Australia Test series

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the availability of Pakistan-Australia test series tickets online from today (Friday).

    The matches will be played in several cities of Pakistan— Rawalpindi (March 4-8), Karachi (March 10-12) and Lahore (March 21-25 ).

    According to the board, the ticket price for the general enclosure has been fixed at Rs 100, a first-class ticket at Rs 200, a premium ticket at Rs 350 and VIP Enclosure ticket at Rs 500.

    In the first phase, 50 per cent of the tickets will be sold. The remaining ones will be offered for sale after the confirmation of the number of spectators from the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC).

    PCB has directed that ticket holders are required to bring their Covid-19 immunisation certificate and Identity cards along with them.

    Australian test skipper Pat Cummins said his team is “comfortable” with security arrangements and excited by what lies ahead.

    The Kangaroos are due to leave over this weekend.

    Earlier this month, Australia confirmed the historic visit of its cricket team for the first time in 24 years.

  • Covid-19: NCOC eases curbs for passengers travelling to Pakistan

    Covid-19: NCOC eases curbs for passengers travelling to Pakistan

    The National Command Control Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday announced that from tomorrow (February 24), requirement of negative PCR report for passengers travelling to Pakistan has been abolished for fully vaccinated travellers.

    According to the new orders, pre-boarding negative PCR has been abolished for inbound travellers who are fully vaccinated. It also says that passengers below 12 years of age are exempted from mandatory vaccination. Passengers between 12-18 years of age are allowed to travel without mandatory vaccination till March 31, 2022.

    The Sindh government on Tuesday revised Covid-19 restrictions. Ban on indoor dining and weddings have also been lifted.

    Under the new relaxed rules, the following will apply:

    Gatherings

    • Indoor gatherings of all types, including weddings, with a cap of 500 fully-vaccinated guests will be allowed
    • Outdoor gatherings allowed with strict enforcement of safety protocols

    Dining

    • Ban on indoor dining has been lifted. And, outdoor dining for fully-vaccinated citizens and takeaway service will be allowed

    Business timings

    • Businesses will continue without time restrictions

    Office routine

    • Offices will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity of fully vaccinated workers with normal working hours

    Education sector

    • Institutes for children under 12 years of age will open with stringent Covid-19 protocols.
    • Institutes for children above 12 years of age will open with stringent Covid-19 protocols (fully vaccinated)

    Public transport

    • Public buses will be allowed to operate with 80% of their seating capacity. Wearing masks will be mandatory throughout the journey. However, a complete ban on serving meals/snacks during the journey will remain imposed till February 28

    Gyms

    • All gyms will be allowed to remain open for fully-vaccinated individuals only

    Shrines

    • Open for fully-vaccinated individuals only

    Cinemas

    • All cinemas will be allowed to remain open for fully-vaccinated individuals only

    Amusement Parks

    • Open for fully-vaccinated individuals only

    Sports

    • All types of sports are allowed for vaccinated individuals

    Domestic air/land travel meals

    • A complete ban on serving meals/snacks during the in-flight or land journeys for domestic travel will remain imposed till February 28

    Railways

    • Railways will operate with a 100% occupancy level for vaccinated individuals only
    • A complete ban on serving meals/snacks during the journey will remain imposed till February 28

    Mask wearing

    • Compliance with compulsory mask-wearing while incorporating innovative measures for enforcement
    • Strict adherence to SOPs in mosques and other places of worship be ensured by the respective district administration

    Extended lockdowns

    • Smart lockdown with stringent enforcement protocols based on disease clusters.

    Pakistan’s daily Covid-19 death toll witnessed an increase after several days.