Sindh announces new COVID restrictions

Karachi: The Government of Sindh introduced new guidelines to mitigate COVID-19 across the province. The guidelines were introduced to thwart the new variant of COVID-19, Omicron.

The Home Department of Sindh enforced new guidelines from December 1 till December 15.

According to the notification, Karachi, Sukkur and Sanghar were classified as areas with good vaccination progress whereas, the remaining districts and divisions were categorised as areas with low vaccination progress.

The notification highlighted that vaccinated individuals would be permitted for amusement parks, outdoor and indoor gatherings, dining, gyms and shrines. The occupancy rate for Karachi, Sukkur and Sanghar would be 500 persons for indoor gathering, 1000 persons for an outdoor gathering; indoor dining would be allowed till 11:59 pm with 70 per cent occupancy, amusement parks should also maintain the same occupancy rate.

The areas with low vaccination progress would be allowed indoor and outdoor gatherings with 300 and 1000 persons. Indoor dining would be permitted with a 50 per cent occupancy rate.

Further, markets and businesses could remain open till 10 pm, whereas essential services could be operated 24/7. Only vaccinated persons with masks could travel in public transport with 80 per cent occupancy. Furthermore, services of takeaway/drive-thru and home delivery could remain operational 24/7. However, staff should be duly vaccinated.