Pakistan to ease nearly all coronavirus restrictions from July 1

People enjoy a funfair ride after the government eased restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 restrictions in Karachi, Pakistan, on June 15, 2021. (AFP)

• Pakistan has been battling third wave of pandemic with strict coronavirus rules and by picking up its national vaccination drive
• On Monday, government announced relaxed rules for restaurants, offices, entertainment venues, public transportation, market places

KARACHI: Pakistan on Monday announced easing wide-ranging coronavirus restrictions across the country of 220 million people as infection numbers showed a consistent downward trend, with around 914 new cases reported in the last 24 hours and 20 deaths. 
Pakistan has been battling a third wave of the coronavirus in recent months, which it has tackled with strict coronavirus rules and by picking up its vaccination drive. It has so far fully or partially vaccinated nearly 12 million people, mostly with the Chinese Sinopharm or Sinovac jabs.
On Monday, among the important changes to coronavirus rules which will come into effect from July 1, Pakistan’s pandemic response body, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), said indoor dining at restaurants would be allowed in the country once again, though at 50 percent occupancy and for vaccinated individuals only. 
“Restaurants and hotels management will institute mechanism for checking of vaccination certificates of guests and will also ensure vaccination of respective management and staff,” the NCOC said in a statement. “Takeaways are allowed 24/7.”
It said outdoor marriage functions could be held with up to 400 guests while adhering to strict COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
“Indoor marriages allowed only for vaccinated individuals with maximum guest limit of 200 x guests,” the statement said. “Wedding halls association / management will institute mechanism for checking of vaccination certificates of guests and will also ensure vaccination of respective management / staff.”
The government announced reopening of shrines at the discretion of provinces and local district administrations with strict adherence to social distancing rules. Amusement parks, water sports and swimming pools could continue activities at 50 percent capacity. All markets needed be closed one day a week, the government said, which would be decided by the respective provincial government. 
Cinemas will also be allowed to reopen “with strict COVID protocols for vaccinated individuals only till 01:00 AM.” 
But the government said a ban on all other types of indoor and outdoor gatherings including cultural, musical, religious and other miscellaneous events would continue. All contact sports and festivals were also still banned. 
Public and private offices could, however, revert to normal working hours with 100 percent staff attendance, and indoor gyms could only entertain vaccinated members. 
“Public transport is allowed to operate with 70 percent occupancy with strict COVID SOPs and mandatory wearing of masks,” the government said. “Rail services are allowed to operate with 70 percent occupancy with strict COVID SOPs and mandatory wearing of masks.”
“Compliance to compulsory mask wearing by all federating units while incorporating innovative measures for enforcement,” the NCOC said, adding that the policy of inbound airline travel to Pakistan would remain the same until further notice.
“These decisions will be implemented from 1st July to 31st July 2021 with review on 27th July 2021 at NCOC,” the statement added.