ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Institute of Health (NIH) on Sunday urged people to take precautionary measures to prevent the coronavirus spread after the country’s moonsighting committee announced the Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The month of Muharram is significant for Shia Muslims as it marks the death anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussain, who died in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day of the month in 680 CE.
Mourning processions and gatherings are held throughout the month in which people gather and interact with each other in large numbers.
“Important Message regarding Muharram ul Haram,” the NIH said in a Twitter post. “Adherence to SOPs [standard operating procedures] is the only way to protect yourself against COVID-19! Wear Mask, adhere to Social Distancing and Get yourself Vaccinated!“
Pakistan has not reported too many COVID-19 cases in recent months, though the authorities believe the viral respiratory disease can continue to spread if people do not take sufficient precautionary measures.
According to official statistics, the coronavirus positivity rate stood at 3.29 percent in the country during the last 24 hours, with 661 new COVID-19 cases and 171 people in critical condition.
The National Command and Operations Center (NCOC), Pakistan’s main pandemic response body, also issued health rules for upcoming congregations before the NIH, making face masks and maintaining a distance of six feet mandatory.
“Venue for the conduct of Majalis [congregations] should be open and spacious with proper ventilation arrangements,” the NCOC said in a notification. “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 advised that organizers regulate the entry and exit points of Muharram gatherings and processions to avoid overcrowding and spreading of the infection.
