Pakistan
NCOC issues congregational prayer guidelines
Islamabad: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Tuesday approved stern recommendations and safety procedures for holding Eid-ul-Fitr prayers across the country.
The NCOC session chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar and National Coordinator Lieutenant General Hamood uz Zaman Khan was held to take a review of mobility control measures being implemented across the country from 8th to 16th May. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Health Dr Faisal Sultan also joined the session via video link.
According to approved guidelines, Eid prayers should be arranged in open spaces with Covid-19 SOPs. The meeting discouraged sick, elderly, and children under 15-years of age from attending prayers.
In case, if there was a compulsion to offer Eid prayer in Masjid then windows and doors should be kept open for good ventilation to reduce the risk of infection and virus transmission.
However, to reduce gatherings two to three Eid prayers at a venue with staggered timings and minimum strength be held.
The clerics and religious leaders are advised to keep the sermon brief to reduce the prayer timings as the virus spread was on the rise.
The guidelines discouraged the sick, elderly and children under 15 years of age from attending the Eid prayers.
As per guidelines, wearing a mask is mandatory. It is also necessary to erect multiple entries and exit points at prayer venues to avoid jumbling up of individuals and reduce the risk of crowding.
The mosque management or authorities responsible for organising Eid prayers are directed to ensure thermal screening at entry points, availability and use of hand sanitisers and six feet social distancing markings at the venue.
The worshipers should bring their prayer mats and also perform wudhu (ablution) at home.
The safety protocols also underscored to discourage socializing or embracing and handshakes at the venue after prayers.
However, no gathering is allowed before and after the prayer usually observed after Eid prayers.
In the wake of ongoing restrictions imposed till May 16, 2021, the NCOC urged for greater national resolve to strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures to control the spread of the pandemic.
It urged the nation to stand united and firm to support these steps undertaken for its well being.