Unvaccinated individuals not allowed in mosques, says Sindh govt

In a bid to contain coronavirus infections across the province, the Sindh government has imposed a ban on unvaccinated individuals from entering mosques to offer prayers.

In a notification by the provincial Home Department and in line with the directives of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), district administrations has been asked to fully enforce these orders.

According to the notification, "Only vaccinated individuals are allowed to offer prayers in mosques to avoid risk to others".

It said the mandatory masks policy for prayer goers would remain in effect while directing for the removal of carpets from mosques across Sindh. The Home Department also directed for "adequate arrangements" inside mosques to reduce the infection rate.

On Nov 14, the NCOC had decided to relax restrictions in cities across Pakistan on the basis of their respective vaccination rates.

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In Narowal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Peshawar, Bhimber, Bagh, Mirpur, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghizer and Islamabad, the vaccination rate was above 50%. In Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Sialkot, Mianwali, Kallar Kahar, Hafizabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Karachi, Chitral, Charsadda, Balakot, Jhelum Valley, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Hunza and Kharmang, the vaccination rate was between 40% to 50%.

“To encourage and incentivise cities with excellent vaccination progress, the forum has decided relaxations in non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and return to normal life," a statement had said.

The remaining cities including Lahore and Hyderabad, had a vaccination rate of less than 40%, as per the statement.

“These NPIs will remain effective till November 30,” the NCOC said, adding that a review will be carried out on 29 November.

On November 11, the government allowed Chinese vaccines - Sinopharm and Sinovac, to be administered to children above the age of 12 years, following their approval by the NCOC committee of health experts, said a statement.