Islamabad (Staff Report/Agencies): The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Friday issued guidelines for Muharram processions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Venue for the conduct of Majalis [congregations] should be open and spacious with proper ventilation arrangements,” said a statement issued by the NCOC.
“Wearing of masks and maintenance of social distancing is mandatory during majalis and processions. Availability of masks and sanitizers/hand washing arrangements at the entrance [should] be ensured by organizing committees,” it added.
“Majalis where SOPs [Standard Operating Procedures] cannot be effectively implemented such as homes and private gatherings may be discouraged,” the statement read.
The NCOC asked people aged over 65 years and children to attend the Muharram processions using living streaming.
On Friday, Pakistan reported 679 new cases of COVID-19 while the positivity ratio remained 2.95% during the last 24 hours.
As per data shared by the National Institute of Health (NIH), 23,035 coronavirus tests were conducted across the country during the last 24 hours.
Seven deaths were reported from the disease and 532 people recovered from the virus in the last 24 hours while 166 patients were on critical care across the country. The current positivity ratio stands at 2.95%.