Amid fears of the spread of highly contagious coronavirus variant Omicron, the government has announced a set of new restrictions.
In a notification on Monday, the Cabinet Division issued 11 new directives, which will be implemented from Thursday January 13.
They are,
1. People will have to wear masks in all public places including shopping malls, markets, hotels, and restaurants, Otherwise, they have to face legal action.
2. Masks mandatory at outdoors, including offices. The government will operate mobile courts to ensure compliance with health guidelines.
3. People must also show vaccine certificates for dining in restaurants and to stay in hotels.
4. Students aged above 12 will not be allowed to attend in-person classes after 15 January unless they are vaccinated.
5. Screening facilities at land, sea and airports have to be increased. Crew members will not be allowed to leave ships while only drivers will be allowed to enter the country on trucks through the land ports.
6. Public transport, including buses, trains and launches will have to carry passengers at half capacity while inoculation is a must for transport drivers and helpers. The authorities concern will issue separate guidelines in this regard.
7. Inbound passengers have to show vaccination certificates and take antigen test upon arrival.
8. Imams will have to raise awareness about following the coronavirus health rules, such as physical distancing, during sermons of Friday prayers.
9. Health Ministry will ramp up activities to raise awareness about the booster shots of the vaccines with the help of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
10. All kinds of open-air gatherings, including social, political and religious events, will remain banned until further notice.
11. Local administration will take necessary steps if any special circumstances arise somewhere.