The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has released new guidelines for Eid-ul-Azha, as the total number of Covid cases recorded in a day reaches more than 600 on a daily basis. The NCOC has urged people to avoid hugging and shaking hands and perform Eid prayers in open areas.
Guidelines for Eid-ul-Azha issued by NCOC
In order to curb the spread of Covid during Eid festivities. The NCOC issues the following guidelines for Eid-ul-Azha:
- Eidul Azha prayers should be organized in open spaces under stringent COVID protocols
- Ulemas are advised to keep sermons short so that people remain present in the prayer venues for a brief duration
- Sick, elderly, young children, immunocompromised people, and other vulnerable adults must not attend Eid prayers
- People to bring their prayer mat, perform ablution at home, and avoid hugging and handshaking after Eid prayer
- Multiple entries and exit points are to be made to avoid overcrowding. Hand sanitizers to be made available at the entry and exit points
- There should not be any gathering at the prayer venue before the prayer and people should be asked to disperse immediately after the prayer
Guidelines for Qurbani
The NCOC has also issued specific SOPs that must be followed in order to limit the spread of Covid-19 that is progressing rapidly in the country. Following are the guidelines related to Qurbani:
- Efforts should be made to encourage collective and online Qurbani through public, private and community organizations
- Provinces to initiate awareness campaigns to educate the masses on the possible spread of COVID during meat distribution, therefore, care must be exercised in meat handling/distribution
- Crowding near slaughter sites should be avoided and a minimum of persons should be allowed to be present at the site
- The site of slaughtering should be away from residential areas and preferably in open spaces
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