Hotels in tourist areas will be opened from tomorrow

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - After declining the number of coronavirus cases across Pakistan, the government on Thursday decided to reopen dine-in restaurants, hotels, cafes, cinemas and gyms from August 10. It is pertinent to mention here that all restaurants, shopping malls and shops were closed following the lockdown imposed in the country in March to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC), Asad Umar said that hotels in tourist areas will be opened from August 8, while Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be issued for restaurants and cafeterias.

Sports activities in country

Announcing the resumption of sports activities in the country, he said that the gyms will be allowed to open from August 10, adding that the permission is being granted for the resumption of kabaddi, wrestling, rugby, other sports.

Cinemas and Theater Halls

The minister further said that cinemas and theater halls will be opened from August 10, while marriage halls will be opened from September 15. "The federal government will also give permission for public transport to resume," he said.

Opening Shrines

He said permission was also being given for opening shrines, however, in case of a large gathering, citizens will be bound to follow the guidelines issued by the provincial government. Ban on pillion riding was also lifted with SOPs, he said.

Business centres, Expo Halls & Beauty Parlours

"The government has decided to open all business centres, expo halls, beauty parlours and spas from August 10," the minister said, adding that the timings of different shops will be reverted too. They will go back to operating the way they were before the coronavirus pandemic."

Educational institutions

The minister said that all educational institutions across the country would reopen from September 15. “A Covid-19 situation would be reviewed on September 7 before reopening of schools,” he added. The minister said that standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the recently allowed businesses will be finalised in the next few days.

Restrictions on operational trains, airlines

He said restrictions on already operational trains and airlines will be lifted in October. Marriage halls will be allowed to function from 15th of September whereas beauty parlors will be allowed to open from 10th of this month, announced Asad Umar.

Tourism spots

Talking about tourism spots, Asad Umar announced that all tourist spots and hotels in the country will reopen on August 8. "The government has also given permission to hold events for non-contact sports from August 10," he added. Tourism Industry: August 8 Restaurants, cafes (dine-in): August 10 Cinemas, theatres and gyms: August 10 Non-contact sports: August 10 Educational institutions: September 15 Marriage halls: September 15