ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday finalised its recommendations for the opening of industries and businesses in phases.
A meeting of the NCOC was held in Islamabad with Planning Minister Asad Umar in the chair, which finalised various recommendations for National Coordination Committee’s (NCC) approval in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The meeting suggested that Ministry of Interior, in consultation with religious scholars, will formulate guidelines for Ramzan.
Regarding indigenous manufacturing capacity of the country, the meeting recommended that Ministry of Science and Technology, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and National University of Science and Technology (NUST) should finalise decision of domestic development of testing kits within 36 hours.
It was mentioned in the meeting that Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) is developing five types of ventilators and eight designs have been submitted for approval. It was said that clinical trials of these ventilators have started.
The meeting was also informed that seven trains have been converted into hospitals and isolation wards, while 26 trains are available for plying across the country. Besides, 48 Railways Hospitals are available, including 12 major hospitals and 36 small dispensaries.
The meeting also discussed plight of stranded Pakistani citizens in various countries. It was said that 1950 passengers will be brought back and three months are required to bring back all stranded Pakistanis. It recommended that all passengers will be quarantined as per health guidelines at locations of arrival. Seven international airports, except Sialkot, will be operating to bring back stranded Pakistani nationals.
The NCOC asked the Ministry of Interior to issue notifications for closure of borders for another two weeks with effect from date of expiry of previous notifications.
