Eid-el-kabir: In a statement issued by Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, on Saturday in Abuja, he explained that the guidelines were reached at a meeting of the FCT Emergency Operations Committee on COVID-19, chaired by the minister.

It stated that the meeting reviewed the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the FCT, especially as it relates to the upcoming Muslim’s Sallah celebrations.

According to the statement, the meeting noted the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country and the FCT and the possibility of a third wave and sought for ways to curtail its spread.

“Thus, guided by the advice of the health professionals, the following guidelines are hereby issued for the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations in the FCT;

” All Eid prayers in the FCT are to be held in the open spaces at Jumma’at Mosques as well as the National Eid Ground.

” This is based on medical advice that it is safer to hold large gatherings in open air spaces than in enclosed structures.

” All open Eid grounds should have multiple entry and exit points with hand washing and temperature checking facilities.”

The statement noted that holding capacity of Eid grounds should be reduced to 50 per cent to ensure physical and social distancing.

It said that imams should ensure that sermons are short so that the entire Eid prayers do not exceed one hour.

” All parks and recreational grounds and facilities shall remain closed throughout the festive period.

” Worshippers are enjoined to adhere to all prescribed non-pharmaceutical preventive measures of facial coverings, constant hand washing and physical distancing.”

In other news;

In a press release the Commissioner for Health and Chairman COVID-19 Dr Betta Edu said “Wearing a face mask helps protects us from the droplets that carry the COVID-19 virus. Please everyone should Take Responsibility for their health and that of their loved ones this period by encouraging them to use hand sanitizers, wash their hands often, avoid handshakes, avoid hugs and also use their mask even at home since the would be expecting visitors”.

She went on to say that COVID-19 spreads when people move around. It is important to Take Responsibility; avoid non-essential movement & large gatherings. Let’s celebrate Sallah (Eid-el-Kabir) safely

Source: Punch, Vanguard