Face masks made mandatory in public places as second Covid wave hits Pakistan

NCOC reports 80% disease spread and increase positivity ratio is 11 major cities across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) noted on Wednesday that the spread of the virus and the increased positivity ratio is 80 per cent in 11 major cities of Pakistan.

The national body has made it mandatory to wear face masks in public places including bazaars, shopping malls, while using public transport and at restaurants.

In addition, face masks must be worn in all offices, both government and private sector.

The centre informed that there are 4,374 lockdowns imposed in 11 cities of Pakistan, including Quetta, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Islamabad, Hyderabad, Mirpur, Karachi, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad.

Earlier this month, the NCOC said that the average Covid positivity rate had risen by 40 per cent in just four days.

Expressing concern at the alarming increase in the positivity rate, the centre was also perturbed over the increasing number of hospital admissions and deaths from the deadly virus.

Special Assistant to the PM on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, in a news conference on Tuesday, stated that with the beginning of the second coronavirus wave, strict restrictions would need to be imposed again and a plan would for this purpose would be chalked out son.

He added that the restrictions would be tightened in the cities where the positivity ratio of the virus was high.

The PM’s aide said new recommendations would be presented soon in consultation in all the provinces.