ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) has extended the scope of implementation of COVID-19 SOPs to 27 cities in view of pressure on healthcare system.

The NCOC, on August 2, had revised COVID-19 SOPs for 13 cities and had decided to keep restrictions in effect till August 31.

The NCOC today extended the COVID-19 SOPs to 14 more cities including Khanewal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala and Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab; and Swat, Haripur, Mansehra, Lower Dir, Swabi, Swat and Chitral in KP.

Under restrictions, all commercial activities will be closed at 8 pm while all markets will remain closed 2 days a week. However, it will be up to the provinces to decide which days would the markets remain closed.

There would be complete ban on indoor dining in restaurants while outdoor dining will only be allowed until 10pm each day. Meanwhile, restaurant takeaway and delivery services will continue to operate 24/7.

There will be a complete ban on indoor weddings, while outdoor weddings with 300 guests will be allowed until 10 pm.

Shitrines and cinemas will also remain closed, while ban on contact sports including karate, boxing, martial arts, rugby, water polo, kabaddi and wrestling will continue. However only vaccinated people will be allowed for indoor gyms.

All public and private offices will continue to operate at a 50% capacity. Similarly, public transport will also function at a 50% capacity.

Amusement parks and swimming pools will remain closed, while public parks will remain open but people entering those parks will have to follow the SOPs strictly.

Educational institutions across the country will be open 3 days a week with 50% strength.

It should be noted that the NCOC will review its SOPs on September 13.