ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Monday directed the provinces to take religious scholars and other stakeholders on board to ensure implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Muharram processions and majalis.

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar also warned that the virus could re-emerge if violations were committed. Moreover, he said SOPs could only be enforced through public cooperation.

Meanwhile, according to a United Nations (UN) tweet, shared by an NCOC representative, about 40pc of the transmission could occur through droplets emitted by people while speaking.

UN says about 40pc of transmission can occur through spittle by people while speaking

“Facemasks are really important because they catch the spittle that you are emitting while you speak. Everyone does it. It is nothing to be afraid of. About 40pc of transmission could be happening because of droplets of spit that you emit while you are talking. It is really a good idea to wear a mask,” a video shared in the tweet claims.

The NCOC also discussed the violations of SOPs throughout the country and directed the provinces to ensure their implementation during majalis and processions by taking religious scholars and stakeholders on board.

According to a statement issued by the NCOC, Asad Umar appreciated the arrangements made for implementing the SOPs in Islamabad, Lahore and Quetta’s Hazara Town during Muharram processions and majalis.

The minister also directed the provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir to take necessary steps to check the spread of the virus.

The meeting was informed that distribution of masks, provision of sanitisers and temperature check of every procession participant had been made mandatory.

Mr Umar warned that in case of negligence the situation could aggravate and said cooperation of people was vital.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2020