Pakistan continues to grapple with third wave of coronavirus

Pakistan tightens social distancing and travel restrictions as it bans gatherings in areas with a high number of cases.

Islamabad, Pakistan – Wracked by a third wave of coronavirus infections, Pakistan continues to tighten social distancing and movement restrictions, implementing a new ban on all gatherings in areas with a high number of cases. On Sunday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), which is managing the country’s coronavirus response, announced a slew of new measures to attempt to control the spike in infections, which appear to be centred in Punjab province and the capital Islamabad. “All kind of gatherings (indoor/outdoor) will be banned with immediate effect,” read a statement issued by the NCOC. “This will include all social, cultural, political, sports and other events.”