KARACHI: The Sindh government on Tuesday announced new curbs to deal with Omicron, the latest coronavirus variant.

In a notification, the Sindh Home Department said the National Command and Operations Centre had placed Karachi, Sukkur, and Sanghar in "category B" (cities with good vaccination progress) while other cities of the province fell under "category C" (cities with low vaccination progress).

The home department, in line with the NCOC's recommendations, has therefore announced new curbs, which will be applicable from December 1-15.

According to the notification all education institutes will follow 100% attendance with a focused campaign to vaccinate students above 12 years of age.

Indoor and outdoor gatherings are only allowed for vaccinated individuals with indoor 500 people and outdoor 1,000 people in Karachi, Sukkur, and Sanghar. For other cities, divisions indoor 300 people and outdoor 1,000 people have been allowed.

Routine office timings will be followed and 100% attendance is permitted. The employees should be fully vaccinated, the notification said.

Markets and business activities can continue till 10pm, while essential services — pharmacies, medical facilities, vaccination centres, petrol pumps, CNG stations, and others — can function 24/7.

Amusement parks, water sports, and swimming pools in Karachi, Sukkur, and Sanghar can function at 70% occupancy, while in the remaining cities and divisions the cap is 50%.

Public parks, however, will remain open under strict COVID-19 protocols. Contact sports are allowed for fully vaccinated individuals.

Public transport can operate with 80% occupancy and only fully vaccinated individuals can benefit from the service. Wearing masks is mandatory.

Shrines, gyms, and cinemas will remain open for fully vaccinated individuals. Railways will operate with 80% occupancy and only fully vaccinated individuals can benefit from the service. Wearing masks is mandatory.