Pakistan has made Covid-19 vaccination mandatory for employees of the public and private sectors in the country and set a deadline of 30 June for all government officials to get vaccinated. The decision came on Wednesday during a review meeting of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the main body managing the Covid-19 crisis in Pakistan, reported Dawn.  

Asad Omar, the country planning minister and the head of the NCOC, reviewed the ongoing vaccination drive and also recommended certain changes. In the wake of declining cases, they have decided to ease few restrictions. 

Incentives will be provided to certain sectors to encourage vaccination, and vaccination centers will now remain open from 8 am to 10 pm. From June 11 onwards, citizens above 18 years of age will be able to avail the walk-in facility at vaccination centers.

Offices are now allowed to work with their 100 percent staff strength. 

For the last two consecutive days, the country’s positivity rate remained below 3 percent. On Wednesday, it was  2.54 percent, with just 1118 people turning positive. 

On Wednesday, the government held a ceremony to administer the 10 millionth vaccine dose. The government aims to inoculate 70 million by the end of the year. 

(SAM)