ISLAMABAD: According to data from the National Institute of Health (NIH), Pakistan reported 656 new COVID-19 cases during the past 24 hours and one coronavirus-related death.
The institution’s data showed that 656 samples from the diagnostic COVID-19 tests returned positive results. The COVID-19 positive ratio increased marginally from 3.29 percent the day before to 3.35 percent as a result of the discovery of additional cases.
NIH records show that 161 COVID-19 patients are receiving care in Intensive Care Units (ICU) at various hospitals around the nation. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recommended that SOPs be strictly followed, including the use of masks and avoiding social interactions while at Muharram gatherings.
As the nation honours the first day of the month of Muharram to mark the start of the new Islamic year, which began last Sunday, gatherings, and majalis to memorialize the Shuhada-e-Karbala (martyrs of Karbala) have begun.
As the potential of another outbreak rises due to the virus’s resurgence in Pakistan, NIH has placed restrictions on the elderly and young people attending the gatherings and majalis during Ashura. The rules for organizing meetings and processions are as follows:
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for COVID-19, such as mask use, social seclusion, and hand sanitizer use and washing, should be followed. Organizing committees should make accommodations for all SOPs.
Participants and Zakirs should receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
The location where the Majalis will be held should be open and roomy with adequate ventilation. During majalis and Processions, mask-wearing and maintaining social distance are required. masks, hand sanitizers, and hand washes are accessible.
Controlled attendance in accordance with venue capacity and prevention of congestion, Processions, and majalis should be shorter in duration, and Majalis should be discouraged in settings like residences.
