NCOC Eid ul Azha guidelines far less restrictive than seen during the Eid ul Fitr
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has issued guidelines for Eid ul Adha, urging people to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent COVID-19 infection.
NCOC, the body leading the country’s response to the pandemic, reiterated the health ministry’s guidelines for Eidul Azha, issued last week.
NCOC’s statement comes after Pakistan reported over 1,000 coronavirus cases for the second day in a row. Health experts fear that Eidul Azha could lead to a resurgence in virus cases. Just a fortnight after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, the number of cases and positivity rate is again on the rise in the country.
NCOC guidelines
According to an official communique issued by the NCOC:
- All cattle markets will be set up outside the cities with adherence to SOPs.
- It is mandatory for all staffers and dealers of the cattle markets to get vaccinated.
- Markets’ administration will provide hand sanitisers, masks, and the facility of rapid antigen tests at the premises.
- Sale and purchase of animals within cities is banned.
The NCOC also urged the faithful to ensure social distancing during Eid congregations.
The guidelines are far less restrictive than seen during the previous Eidul Fitr, which was observed in the middle of May, amid the third wave of the infectious disease.
NCOC reviews COVID situation in Gilgit-Baltistan
A delegation led by the NCOC director general visited Gilgit-Baltistan to review the overall COVID-19 situation and vaccinations in the region, the statement added.
The delegation inspected vaccination centers set up in Gilgit, Shigar and Hunza and briefed the tribal elders about its plans to vaccinate all registered population in the area to ensure safety at tourist spots. A special team was also formed on the occasion to ensure coronavirus prevention and improved vaccinations in the region.
Overall COVID-19 situation in Pakistan
Pakistan has administered 17.3 million doses of coronavirus vaccine so far, the NCOC said. More than 8.3 million vaccines were administered in the month of June alone.
At least 1,347 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours with the positivity rate at 2.97% while the total tests conducted countrywide during the last day stood at 44,245.