NCOC summons education, health ministers

KARACHI: The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) had recently summoned a meeting of the provincial education and health ministers meeting.

The meeting of the provincial ministers would propose a new set of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) concentrating on the education sector, marriage ceremonies, public gatherings, transport sector and indoor/outdoor dining.

During a meeting of the NCOC in Islamabad, the decision was made. In the face of increased disease tendencies, particularly in metropolitan areas, the forum addressed epidemic curve chart data, disease prevalence, and possible NPIs.

The NCOC had chosen to engage closely with provinces, particularly the Government of Sindh, in order to develop required steps to combat the disease's spread. From January 17, the meeting also voted to put a complete ban on the in-flight meal/snack service.

The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCCA) was asked to ensure in-flight mask-wearing and also enforce SOPs at all the airports. Serving meals and snacks on public transport would also be banned.

The forum urged federating units to take harsh penalties against those who disregard SOPs, particularly against those who do not wear masks. Forum also asked to enforce a mandatory immunisation programme.

The NCOC advised all quarters to speed up the current vaccination campaign and maximise efforts to meet immunisation targets.