ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday decided to extend coronavirus-related restrictions in six cities — Karachi, Hyderabad, Gilgit, Muzaffarabad, Mardan and Peshawar — having over 10 per cent Covid-19 positivity rate, while easing restrictions in all other cities where the situation has improved.

Also, the NCOC declared at least one dose of vaccine mandatory for students above 12 years with no exception other than medical reasons.

Official data shows that 27 more patients died and 2,597 new cases were detected in a single day though the national positivity remained at 5.4pc.

According to a statement, a detailed stock of the situation and currently enforced non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) was carried out at the NCOC meeting. In view of improved trends, NPIs were relaxed for all cities except the six cities where positivity was still over 10pc.

While discussing the restrictions for the six cities, the NCOC decided that all types of indoor gatherings and dining would be banned. Only fully vaccinated people would be permitted for outdoor gatherings.

Sharing details of the restriction for the six cities with Covid-19 positivity of more than 10pc, the statement explained that indoor gyms, cinemas, shrines, amusement parks would function at 50pc capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and there would be a complete ban on contact sports (karate, boxing, martial arts, rugby, water polo, kabaddi and wrestling).

Attendance will be staggered in educational institutions, with 50pc attendance for students under 12 years of age and 100pc for vaccinated students over 12 years.

Railways will operate at 80pc capacity for fully vaccinated people and public transport will function at 70pc capacity for the fully vaccinated.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2022