NCOC reviews Covid-19 trends in country

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Chairman Asad Umar presided over a session to review the Covid-19 trends in the country.

The forum discussed the epidemic curve chart data, disease prevalence and proposed Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) in wake of rising disease trends in the country, especially in the urban centers.

It decided to extensively engage with provinces, especially with Sindh government, for necessary measures to tackle rising disease.

The forum reviewed existing NPIs and called on provincial health and education ministers session on 17 January 22 to suggest the new set of NPIs focusing on education sector, public gatherings, marriage ceremonies, indoor / outdoor dining and transport sector.

Meanwhile, the NCOC decided to implement complete ban on in-flight serving of meals/snacks with effect from January 17. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) was asked to ensure in-flight mask wearing and also implement COVID SOPs at all airports. Serving of meals/snacks in public transport will also be banned with effect from January 17.

The forum asked federating units to take strict measures against violators of existing SOPs specially mask wearing and to ensure enforcement of obligatory vaccination regime. The federating units were asked to strictly enforce existing NPIs specially in transport, education and sectors with high social gatherings like restaurants and wedding halls.

Moreover, federating units were asked to carryout immediate surveys of health care facilities (including oxygenated beds), oxygen stocks and reserves.

The NCOC directed all quarters to fast-track vaccination drive and ramp up efforts to achieve vaccination targets.