Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday announced fresh restrictions across the country including a complete ban on tourism from May 8-16.
According to a circular of the Interior Ministry, a meeting of the NCOC was held in Islamabad.
The NCOC decided to impose complete ban on tourism from May 8 to May16, including Eid holidays.
The notification further stated that the tourist resorts, public parks, restaurants and hotels in and around tourist spots as well as shopping malls will remain closed.
“The travel nodes leading to tourist spots will remain closed with special focus on Murree, Galiyat, Swat-Kalam, Sea View, beaches and Northern Areas”, the notification added.
As per the notification, NCOC decided that uninterrupted electricity supply during Eid holidays should be ensured. Locals of GB will be allowed to travel back to GB during Eid holidays.
It also called for timely issuance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for Itekaf, Shab-e-Qadar, Jamma-tul-Wida and Namaz-e-Eid.
Meanwhile, Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood announced that no examinations will take place in the country until June 15 due to surge in coronavirus cases and increasing death toll.
Addressing a press conference along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, he said that O and A level exams had been cancelled and would now take place in the October-November cycle.
However, A2 exams will keep running for those students who want to appear for the purpose of applying to foreign universities.
"It has been directed strictly that after Monday, more than 50 people will not be in one centre.
For that we have requested that schools be made venues," the minister said, adding that law enforcement personnel will be deployed to maintain discipline.
Speaking on the occasion SAPM Dr Faisal once again warned that a lockdown could be imposed in different cities if the coronavirus situation does not improve.
He said that the NCOC reviews the coronavirus situation daily and receives an update on the situation of the health system in various cities. He added that the healthcare system's capacity was increasing daily.
Regarding oxygen supply, the SAPM said that a committee of the NCOC is monitoring oxygen distribution and the plants producing the vital gas.
Dr Faisal added that the government can also import oxygen from various countries if need be.
The SAPM urged the people to wear masks and observe social distancing and appealed to the public to observe Eid with simplicity this year.
