To combat the resurgence of Covid-19 in the country, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday issued new guidelines for prayers and Qurbani on Eidul Azha, including the use of masks and social separation.
Since June, there has been an increase in coronavirus cases in Pakistan, which is primarily attributable to the new BA.5 sub-variant of Omicron. After months of relative stability, the new guidelines harken back to the era of the first Covid waves.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), 653 new infections were reported in the last 24 hours, while the positivity rate was 3.45%.
There have been no reported deaths during this period.
In the previous twenty-four hours, 18,950 tests were performed and 162 patients were in critical condition.
If precautions are not taken, the number of Covid cases could increase during the upcoming festivities, according to health experts.
Today, the NCOC announced that Eidul Azha will be celebrated on July 10. “Being a significant religious event/gathering, the Eidul Azha prayer and Qurbani take on greater significance in light of the current Covid situation in the country,” it stated, before announcing several guidelines.
According to the recommendation, Eid prayers will be held in open areas “under stringent Covid protocols.”
If Muslims are compelled to pray inside mosques, all doors and windows must remain open for ventilation.
It was also suggested that two to three prayers be held at one location with staggered times so that the greatest number of people can attend while taking Covid precautions.
“All ulemas leading Eid prayers should be sensitized to keep sermons brief so that people do not have to remain in confined spaces for an extended period,” the report added.
The elderly, ill, and young children have been discouraged from attending religious services because they are more susceptible to infection.
In the interim, no one will be permitted to enter mosques without a mask. The venue will have separate entry and exit points and hand sanitizer dispensers to prevent “collisions of individuals.”
The NCOC has also instructed mosques to maintain a minimum social distance of six feet between worshippers to prevent physical contact. To reduce the likelihood of disease transmission, individuals should also refrain from handshakes and hugs.
People have been encouraged separately to perform ablution at home and bring their prayer mats to mosques.
In addition, after-prayer gatherings have been discouraged, and individuals have been instructed to disperse immediately.
SOPs for Qurbani
In addition, the government has urged individuals to opt for collective Qurbani through public, private, and community organizations this year and ensured the implementation of precautionary measures.
For this purpose, ulema and religious scholars have also been told to encourage people for collective and “online Qurbani”.
In the meantime, provinces will launch campaigns to educate the public about the spread of the virus during meat distribution.
The NCOC stated that slaughtering should take place far from residential areas in a vast open area. The site should avoid overcrowding, and only a limited number of visitors would be permitted.
Without masks are not allowed inside cattle markets.
Earlier today, Punjab Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan announced that non-mask-wearing individuals will be prohibited from entering cattle markets throughout the province.
He instructed market management to provide sellers and buyers with masks and hand sanitizers.
Jan separately emphasized: “Residents will be required to wear masks to all public gatherings, public transportation, and workplaces. Social separation has also been mandated.”
The official also stated that vaccination against Covid was mandatory for children older than 11 years.
