Pakistan decides to open tourism, restaurants, hotels and other businesses
Factories,businesses and industries will have to follow coronavirus guidelines and rules
After
significant drop in new coronavirus infections across Pakistan, The government decides
to open tourism spots, parks, hotels, marriage halls, theaters, restaurants for
dine –in and other businesses closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was
announced by Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar in a televised address
to the nation. A review on the decision to reopen educational institutes on
September 15 would be done on September 7, Umar added.
The minister
was speaking after chairing the meeting of National Command and Operations
Centre (NCOC), the primary body overlooking the efforts against the coronavirus
pandemic in Pakistan. The relevant and revised standard operating procedures
(SOPs) would be finalized in two days, he explained.
Here's a
list of dates that various businesses and establishments would be allowed to
reopen:
Education:
Sept 15, subject to another review meeting on Sept 7
Tourism: Aug
8
Restaurants
(dine-in): Aug 10
Cinemas
& theaters: Aug 10
Public
points: August 10
Gyms: August
10
Marriage
halls: May be opened by Sept 15
Federal
Minister added that sports and games would be allowed to resume but without
spectators, while pillion-riding was also permitted. Travelling in public
transport while standing, however, will not be allowed, he said.
While beauty
parlors, expo centres, and shrines were being allowed to open, he warned that
people should follow the SOPs in large gatherings at the shrines and seek
permission from the administration beforehand.
However, the
restrictions on passengers in trains and planes were to continue until
September.
"Passengers
will be able to travel on the airplanes in a normal manner from October
1," Umar said. "The situation was brought under control with the
cooperation of the people.
The minister
explained that the Prime Minister Imran Khan's PTI government had kept certain
sectors and economic activities shut down till now but considering the
aforementioned praise, the coronavirus numbers, and consultations, debates, and
discussions between the NCC, NCOC, and the provinces, some new decisions had
been made.
The relevant
and revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be finalised in two
days, he explained.
Punjab
government led by chief minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has already allowed all
industries, establishments, and factories in Punjab to function 24 hours a day,
every day of the week, on the condition of practicing coronavirus-related
guidelines. Punjab government has issued the notification in this regard.
Moreover,
all businesses related to the construction sector were allowed to operate 24/7
"subject to the adoption of SOPs/ guidelines,” it added. While the latest
order was to come into effect immediately, all prior restrictions and
exemptions, however, would continue to remain in force.
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