Staff Reporter
The Punjab government on Tuesday issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be adopted during Eidul Azha prayers and sacrifice of animals in wake of a spike in Covid cases amid the fourth wave.
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, Eidul Azha congregations should be held at open places and while offering it inside the mosques, the doors and windows should remain open to ensure a smooth cross-ventilation.
“Eid prayers should be offered multiple times at the same place to avoid mass congregations,” it said while further requesting Muslim scholars and clerics to ensure keeping their Eid sermons short to minimize the effects of Covid spread.
The notification also directed against bringing ailing, aged, and children to the mosques and open areas for prayers.
“Those entering the prayer area should be tested for temperature besides also being sanitized,” it said.
Similarly, the Sindh government issued guidelines to be followed during Eidul Azha prayers and while performing the ritual of sacrificing animals in order to contain the spread of coronavirus amid the fourth wave.
According to fresh standard operating procedures (SOPs), the government has advised the people to prefer collective sacrifice of the animals this Eidul Azha instead of individual fulfilment of the ritual in an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The government has identified specific locations in the province for the collective sacrifice of animals on Eidul Adha.
The administration of mosques administrations has been ordered to keep doors and windows opened during Eid prayers and refrain from using water coolers.
Citizens were also asked to refrain from shaking hands and hugging during the Eidul Azha festival, as well as avoiding unnecessarily travelling and family events.
