NCOC issues new guidelines for gatherings during pandemic

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday issued new guidelines for social gatherings to curb the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan. 

According to the NCOC, these guidelines for social gatherings have been prepared in consultation with the provinces. NCOC says these guidelines will be applicable to all types of gatherings excluding wedding ceremonies and sports events. The centre says that indoor and outdoor events will be considered public gatherings. Political, cultural, religious and sports events will be considered public gatherings. The centre says it is better not to hold any public even other than economic activities. 

The centre says that inevitable events should be organised at places where coronavirus SOPs could be enforced. All people attending indoor and outdoor events should be seated at a three-foot distance from each other and events should conclude within three hours. The number of people in attendance at an indoor event should not be more than 500. 

The NCOC says that public gatherings will be banned in cities where the number of coronavirus cases will cross a certain limit. It says that SOPs should be followed during walks and rallies on the roads. The NCOC says that it is the local government’s duty to enforce the use of masks at public gatherings and ensure social distancing at public gatherings. People suffering from coronavirus or breathing issues, elderly people and children should not go to public gatherings. In case of outdoor events, preventive measures should be taken at entrances and exit points. People suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes or other diseases should not go to public events. People should avoid shaking hands, embracing each other or eating together at public events. Water should be kept at a reasonable distance in public places. Boards carrying informative stuff about coronavirus should be installed at venues of outdoor events. Frequent announcements should be made about the spread of coronavirus at public gatherings. At public gatherings, people should not be allowed to stand. In case of an event, the organiser will be responsible for enforcement of SOPs.