NCOC issues Eid ul Fitr prayer guidelines

The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) on Tuesday has issued guidelines for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.

NCOC session was held today with Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar in the chair. While Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan also joined the session via video link.

The session reviewed the Mobility Control Measures being implemented across the country from May 8-16.

“In the wake of ongoing restrictions imposed till May 16, 2021, [the] forum urged for greater national resolve by adhering to SOPs to reduce the spread of the pandemic,” the statement from the NCOC said.

NCOC has issued the following guidelines for Eidul Fitr prayers:

• Eid prayers should be organised in open spaces with Covid protocols. If there is a compulsion to pray in masjid then adequate ventilation should be ensured.
• 2-3 Eid prayers at one venue with staggered timings to minimise strength.
• Effort to be made to keep the khutba (sermon) very brief.
• Discourage sick, elderly, and children under 15 years of age from attending prayers.
• Mandatory wearing of face mask and six-foot social distancing markings at the venue.
• Multiple entry/exit points at prayer venue to avoid crowding of worshippers.
• Thermal screening and use of hand sanitisers.
• Worshippers should bring their own prayer mats.
• Encourage people to perform wuzu (ablution) at home.
• Discourage socialising/embracing and handshakes after prayers.
• Banners or panaflexes highlighting Covid protocols should be displayed prominently at the venue
• Well-laid-out parking areas should be prepared for crowd management.

 NCOC had announced comprehensive “stay home, stay safe” guidelines from May 8-16 to curb the spread of the virus.

“The current spike of COVID-19 in the country merits effective measures to arrest its further spread with special emphasis on reducing mobility during forthcoming Eid-Ul-Fitr,” the NCOC said in a statement.

As per the orders, all chaand raat bazaars, shopping malls, public places, and recreational spots will remain closed. 

The ban on chaand raat bazaars extends to mehndi, jewelry/ornaments, and clothing stalls as well.