ISLAMABAD: After a lockdown of over a week, commercial activities are set to resume throughout the country on Monday (today).

Besides, around 1.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines reached the country from China on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) urged people to avail the opportunity and get inoculated.

According to data released by the NCOC, 76 people succumbed to the virus while 2,379 got infected in the last 24 hours. As many as 576 patients are on ventilators while the number of active cases has fallen to 68,819 as of May 16.

Besides, 4,803 patients were under treatment in hospitals.

As per the decision of the NCOC, commercial activities will resume with effect from May 17, but all markets and shops of less essential services will close by 8pm. Public and private offices will start functioning under normal working hours from today, however, 50pc work-from-home policy will remain in force. All types of indoor and outdoor dining will be prohibited whereas takeaways will be allowed round the clock. This order will be followed till May 19.

Another 1.2m doses of vaccines arrive; Minister once again asks people to get vaccinated

Earlier, the NCOC had decided to resume public transport from May 16 (Sunday) instead of the previously given date of May 17.

Meanwhile one million doses of Sinovac vaccine and 195,000 doses of Cansino vaccine arrived from China.

An official of the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS), who is not authorised to speak on record, said the vaccine was procured by the government.

“We will get a large number of doses in the coming weeks and hopefully millions will be received through Covax before June 30. This is why we have started registration of over 30-year age group. Soon date for vaccination of this age category will be announced,” he said.

Covax is an international alliance which has pledged free vaccine for 20 per cent of the population of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, who also heads the NCOC, has urged people to get vaccinated at the earliest.

“Got my 2nd dose of vaccination today. Please do not delay your 2nd dose. Generally Pakistani’s have been good about getting the 2nd dose on time with more than 80% doing so. However, in the last few days before Eid there was a drop in the number of people coming for the 2nd dose,” Mr Umar tweeted on Saturday night.

A similar message was also released from the platform of the NCOC on Sunday.

“Get yourself vaccinated! All those above 30 years can get registered by sending CNIC number to 1166. Walk in facility for above 40 years also needs prior registration. It will save your time!,” a tweet from the forum said.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2021