National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) has issued new guidelines for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in wake of prevailing COVID-19 wave in the country.
As per the NCOC guidelines, elderly and people under the age of 15 will be prohibited to attend Eid prayers as they are more susceptible to the novel virus.
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The new guidelines were announced after an NCOC meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar.
Eid sermon should be brief and COVID-19 SOPs primarily provision of face masks and social distancing must be practiced inside mosques, said NCOC.
Other key guidelines regarding Eid prayers include;
- Eid prayers should be organized in open spaces with COVID protocols. If there is a compulsion to offer prayers in a mosque, then windows and doors should be kept open for ventilation.
- Eid prayers should take place in 2-3 shifts at one venue with staggered timings to minimize attendance.
- Multiple entry and exit points at prayer venue to avoid rush of individuals.
- Thermal screening at entry points.
- Availability and use of hand sanitizers at entrances and exits.
- 6-feet social distancing markings at the venue.
- Worshipers should bring their own prayer mats.
- Encourage people to perform wudhu/ablution at home
- Discourage socializing and handshakes at the venue after prayers.
- No gathering before and after prayer.
- Well laid out parking areas should be prepared for crowd management.
Pakistan reported 3,084 new COVID-19 cases along with 113 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Country’s total COVID-19 tally stands at 864,557 cases with 19,106 casualties. A total of 766,492 people have recovered from the novel virus whereas 4,859 are still in critical condition.
