Coronavirus Eidul Azha guidelines: disinfect slaughter site, avoid hugging

Eidul Azha will fall on July 31 this year. There was a spike seen in infections two weeks after the previous Eid as people did not follow coronavirus SOPs.

The National Ministry of Health has released COVID-19 prevention guidelines for Eidul Azha. These include the measures to be taken during the slaughtering of animals and Eid prayers.

During slaughter

• Slaughter site should be away from general public
• Crowding at the site should be avoided
• Keep a distance of at least two metres from others
• Wear a mask and gloves
• Cough or sneeze into bent elbows
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 40-60 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with 60-80% alcohol

For disinfection

• Clean the site before and after with detergent and water, followed by rinsing and drying
• Disinfect using chemicals such as bleach or any household disinfectant
• Use disposable towels and disposable mop heads for cleaning OR
• Wash used towels and mop with surf and water afterwards

Eid prayers

• Mosques should have separate entrances and exits
• Thermal guns should be used to screen everyone for fever
• Install hand sanitisers at entrances/exits
• Everyone should wear a face mask
• Physical distancing marking should be used to maintain a six-feet gap
• Worshippers should bring their own prayer mats
• Encourage people to perform wudhu at home
• The sick, elderly and children under 15 years should not go to the mosque/ Eidgah
• Avoid traditional Eid greetings such as hugging
• There should be a safety officer on both men and women’s side
• The waiting time between the call to prayer and the actual prayer will be 10 minutes to avoid overcrowding
• Mosques should close 10 minutes after the prayer ends
• Mosque Imams should talk about coronavirus prevention in their Eid sermons
• Windows and doors of mosques should be kept open for ventilation
• Carpets or mats should not be laid down in mosques
• Wash floors for prayers using chlorinated water
• Hard copies of the Holy Quran and other books must be removed
• Water coolers should not be used
• Bathroom area must remain closed