The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the country's nerve center for unified efforts against coronavirus, on Monday decided to increase restrictions and tightens the implementation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) as the positivity ratio exceeds 8% amid the third wave of coronavirus.

The COVID-19 watchdog met today (Monday) to decide on the future course of action as the more dangerous and deadly strain is witnessed in Pakistan. The meeting was chaired by the federal minister of planning and development and NCOC chief Asad Umar.

Umar, taking to Twitter, shared the details of the decisions taken by the NCOC. "In the NCOC meeting this morning we decided to increase restrictions of activities contributing to a sharp increase in covid positivity," he said and added, "The provincial & ICT administration were also directed to tighten implementation of SOPs and a crackdown on violations which are taking place."

The meeting took place as the country is experiencing the third-wave of COVID-19, a novel disease caused by coronavirus. The third wave is said to be more dangerous and lethal by the health authorities and NCOC.

"Sharp spike in covid positivity. Hospital daily admissions & people in critical care rising fast. If SOP compliance does not improve, we will be forced to place stronger restrictions on activities. Please be very very careful. The new strain spreads faster and is more deadly," Asad shared on Twitter.

Positivity ratio in Pakistan exceeds 8%:

Pakistan on Monday has reported 3,669 new cases against 43,498 tests in 24 hours. As per the ministry of national health service, the current positivity rate is 8%.