ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Friday was informed by the relevant quarters that a set of guidelines have been prepared to ensure social distancing, use of face masks, and compliance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for marking Independence Day and Muharram.

The NCOC meeting held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar deliberated in length on the roadmap and measures post-opening up of various sectors and upcoming national and religious events.

The forum was informed that wearing face masks, even simple cloth masks, could help in containing Covid-19 spread. Speaking on the occasion, Asad said that opening up of various sectors should be followed with health guidelines.

The coronavirus threat was still there, and if health guidelines were not followed, then there would always be a threat of the disease spreading again quickly.

"People of Pakistan have been very responsive and they have shown great patience and compliance to various health guidelines. If the same spirit is followed up till Muharram it will help to mitigate health challenges," he said.

Asad urged federal and provincial administrations to ensure public safety and wellbeing through effective measures during Muharram. Federal Minister for Interior Brig (retired) Ejaz Ahmed Shah, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, and others also attended the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020