ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s nerve center on Covid pandemic Saturday issued a strict course of action amid reopening tourism from May 24 (Monday).
The revival of the tourist spots is restricted with coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) to stem the spread of novel disease amid the third intensive wave.
Last Wednesday, the NCOC relaxed the travel ban imposed during the Eidul Fitr holidays to avoid mass gatherings in northern areas. The ban during the festive period curbs the tally of Covid new infections cases to a level deemed encouraging by the government.
NCOC Chief and PTI leader Asad Umar along with Lt-Gen Hamood uz Zaman Khan chaired the meeting during which a detailed review of Covid prevalence in the south Asian country was taken. Meeting to discuss ease was also attended by PM’s aide on health, Sindh health minister, and chief secretaries of all federating units.
Meanwhile, as per the fresh guidelines for the tourism revival, the government has made it compulsory for all travelers to show their Covid test results before entering any area or before checking in any accommodation facility also the test result should be of recent time and cannot be older than a week.
All hotels and guesthouses have been directed to demand a negative Covid test report and a national identity card from the guests to make sure that the person or the group didn’t contract the novel virus.
All tourists would be required to bring an adequate amount of face masks and sanitizers during the trip while travelers must wear facemasks at every destination, it further added. Safe distances will be required for camping.
Meanwhile, inbound passengers, who travel from foreign countries, will have to undergo all mandatory steps including quarantine on arrival and carrying a vaccination certificate throughout the journey.
The NCOC guidelines have been issued as the mass vaccination drive in the south asian country entered a new phase. People aged 30 or above are required to register for a Covid jab at the earliest.
Covid-19 SOPs must be followed to ensure safety and security of your friends and family.#TDCP #tdcpofficial #punjabtourism #tourismdepartmentpunjab #PTDC #Pakistan #tourists pic.twitter.com/FG6NVd25QH
— Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab(TDCP) (@TDCPOfficial) May 22, 2021
As the tourism, educational institutions in low positivity areas, and other restrictions have been eased. Shrines, cinemas, indoor dining, indoor gyms, amusement parks, contact sports, festivals, cultural and other events, and indoor/outdoor gatherings will still be banned till further notice.
Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Authority Saturday also released fresh travel restrictions for inbound passengers. At least 15 more countries have been placed in category C of the international travel list.
Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, and other Covid affected countries have been added to curb the spread of mutated variants in Pakistan. South Africa, India, Brazil, Nepal, and many other countries have already been included in the list. The number of countries included in this category has soared to 38.
