July 13, 2020
By Asra Haque
LAHORE
The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) issued a revised list of guidelines to limit person-to-person transmission during cattle sales and slaughter for Eid al-Azha. Under these guidelines, district authorities should ensure cattle markets must have manned entry and exit points to check commuters’ temperatures, and a hand sanitizing station to ensure customers sanitize their hands before entering the market.
Vendors and buyers must observe social distancing, and wear masks at all times, while vendors are expected to maintain a queue keeping in mind the mandated two-meter distance. Touching animals without gloves is strictly prohibited. To prevent crowding at cattle markets, the government has urged the public to opt for online e-markets for the sale and purchase of sacrificial animals.
The slaughter should not be carried out in public spaces, and people are advised not to crowd the area. Butchers should thoroughly disinfect and wash their hands with soap before and after the slaughter – PPE, as well as gloves and masks, should be worn.
For congregational Eid al-Azha prayers, mosques should conduct thermal screenings and provide hand sanitizer at entry points. A distance of two meters should be observed, and the prayer spots should be clearly marked. Worshippers should wear masks and gloves, and bring their own prayer mats, while the mosque should ensure no carpets are laid down and that the floor is thoroughly cleaned.