The Sindh Home Department on Tuesday issued guidelines and COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Ashura activities during Muharram, directing Karachi’s commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure their implementation.
Follow Times of Karachi on Google News and add as a preferred Source on Google
The guidelines were issued amid a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Karachi and included several measures aimed at reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission during processions, gatherings and religious activities.
According to the guidelines, participants attending Ashura gatherings and processions would be required to wear masks continuously.
Organisers would also have to ensure the availability of hand sanitisers at gathering points.
Zaireen, or pilgrims participating in the religious activities, would be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The authorities also advised children and elderly citizens to avoid participating in Ashura processions and gatherings.
The Sindh government decided that Ashura gatherings would be held only in open spaces as part of measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Spot vaccination camps would also be established at designated vaccination sites to facilitate participants.
At mosques, a six-foot distance would be maintained between worshippers in line with the COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The authorities also directed organisers to install thermal scanners at gathering locations to screen participants for elevated body temperatures.
Food and niyaz would be distributed only in disposable containers to reduce the risk of contamination.
The Sindh Home Department directed the relevant district administration officials to ensure that the coronavirus SOPs were followed during Ashura-related activities.
