Punjab govt issues SOPs for Muharram gatherings & processions

LAHORE: The Government of Punjab has issued detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding Muharram gatherings and processions to keep the spread of coronavirus under control.

Medical experts have warned of a second and even a third wave of coronavirus infections especially since government ended the coronavirus lockdown allowing all businesses to reopen.

Muharram ul Haram 2020 moon was sighted last night by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee marking the start of the holy month from today (12 August 2020). Youm-e-Ashura will accordingly be observed on 30 August 2020.

The notification issued by the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD) states that since activities in Muharram such as Majalis, rallies, Zuljinna and Alam processions are prone to close contact and surface sharing abiding by SOPs is very important to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The notification adds that people must strictly adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Muharram gatherings and processions which include proper hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes, social distancing, ensure frequent cleanliness and disinfection of surfaces.

Furthermore, people should possess basic COVID-19 awareness such as wearing masks, avoiding handshakes, avoid going to gatherings if you’re sick and keeping hand sanitizers on person at all times.

Volunteers need to be deployed at all gatherings and processions to ensure that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being followed and help elderly and children to observe precautions.

This is a copy of the notification issued detailing all standard operating procedures (SOPs):