Despite NCOC's decision, Sindh government decides to open shrines

• Sindh government decides to keep all shrines and dargahs open with strict implementation of coronavirus SOPs.
• Sindh govt warns of immediate closure of shrines in case of SOP violations.
  
• Directs establishment of teams in coordination with district administration to monitor SOP implementation.
  

HYDERABAD: The Sindh government has decided to keep all shrines and dargahs open with strict implementation on coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) despite the National Command and Operation Centre's (NCOC)'s decision for closure of the shrines across the country.

The Sindh home department wrote a letter to the provincial chief administrator saying the Auqaf department has allowed keeping all shrines open with strict implementation of SOPs.

The Auqaf department was directed to strictly follow SOPs and in case of any violation, immediate closure of the shrines be effected, the letter read.

Read more: Coronavirus in Pakistan: Shafqat Mehmood chairs NCOC meeting today to decide on closure of schools

The department has been told to constitute implementation teams in coordination with district administration for effective implementation of COVID-19 SOPs.

Curbs on business, public transport

In view of a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, the NCOC on Monday issued renewed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to contain the virus, saying that these would be implemented with immediate effect.

As per the new guidelines, all businesses will only be allowed to operate five days a week, while all commercial activities will be closed by 8:00pm in areas with a positivity ratio greater than 8%.

The forum expressed grave concern over the current COVID-19 situation in the country and unanimously agreed to implement some high-impact interventions in cities and districts with a high positivity ratio.