NCOC mulls imposing fines for Coronavirus SOPs violations

ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Tuesday proposed slapping fines on people who refuse to wear face masks in public gatherings. .

The meeting presided over by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Chairman NCOC Asad Umar, was also attended by the National Coordinator NCOC, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, Minister for Interior Syed Ejaz Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs Noor ul Haq Qadri, while the Chief secretaries of provinces also participated through video link.

During the meeting, the participants reviewed an overall situation of the novel outbreak and measures taken to prevent people from it, and suggestions for further improvement.

During the meeting, it was agreed to ensure compliance of SOPs.

The forum was apprised that 3497 smart lockdowns have been imposed in 103 Districts across Pakistan. It was also told that 52% corona tests were being done due to pro-active strategy of Trace, Test and Quarantine(TTQ) strategy.

Asad Umar said that actions have consequences and so far we as a nation in cooperation with all stake holders have taken right steps which helped us in saving precious lives and contain disease spread.

Asad further said that people’s proactive response had been the key point so far in successfully preventing from COVID-19.

The people of Pakistan had shown great maturity and responsibility to not only protect themselves but following guidelines to ensure other’s safety and wellbeing, he added.

Federal Minister Asad Umar paid great tribute to Media for their effective messaging for behavior change and help in reaching out to the masses. People of Pakistan and media were two important pillars which made the entire effort a success, he lauded.

Asad Umar said that risk mitigation is important to check possibly second wave of corona in country.