ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) held a meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Mr Asad Umar and Lt Gen Hamood-uz-Zaman Khan. The meeting took a review of Mobility Control Measures being implemented across the country from 8th to 16th May 21.
Dr Faisal Sultan SAPM health also joined the session via video link. In the wake of ongoing restrictions imposed till 16 May 2021, Forum urged for greater national resolve by adhering to SOPs to reduce the spread of the pandemic. The forum urged the nation to stand united and firm to support these steps undertaken for the well being of the Pakistani people.
Forum also approved the Guidelines for Eid ul Fitr prayers across the country; Eid prayers should be organized in open spaces with COVID-19 protocols. If compulsion to offer in masjid then windows and doors should be kept open for good ventilation. Furthermore, the guidelines instructed mosques and Eid-gahs to hold two-three Eid prayers at one venue with staggered timings to minimize the strength.
Efforts are also to be made to keep the sermon/khutba very brief in order to reduce the prayer timings exposure. Discourage sick, elderly and children under 15 years of age from attending prayers. In addition to basic SOPs such as mandatory wearing mask, along with multiple entry/exit points at prayer venue to avoid close contact of individuals as well as thermal screening at entry points and availability of hand-sanitisers.
The guidelines asked mosques to ensure six-foot social distancing markings at the venue and making sure that worshippers should bring their own Prayer mats.
Other guidelines direct authorities to:
• Encourage people to perform wudhu at home
• Discourage socializing /embracing and handshakes at the venue after prayers
• No gathering before and after prayer
• Banners/panflexes highlighting COVID protocols should be displayed at prominent places at the venue as part of the awareness campaign.
• Well laid out parking areas should be prepared for crowd management.
