The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) has finalised the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for setting up makeshift cattle markets and organising congregational prayers on Eidul Azha.
These SOPs were finalised in the NCOC meeting held here on Monday. The meeting was chaired by NCOC Chairman Asad Omer through video link. It was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Law Minister Basharat Raja and senior officials of the bureaucracy. Representatives of other provincial governments also participated in the meeting through video link.
It was highlighted in the meeting that around 700 sacrificial animals’ markets will be established across the country ahead of Eidul Azha, for which the NCOC has already sent guidelines to provincial governments for implementation of safety SOPs and ensuring social distancing.
Confusion prevails over Eidul Azha cattle markets
The meeting reviewed the current situation of coronavirus and smart lockdowns in different areas of the country. NCOC Chairman Asad Umar underscored that efficient management of sacrificial animals’ markets is very important to contain the spread of coronavirus disease.
He highlighted that the makeshift cattle markets will be set up in outskirts of the cities. Cattle markets’ SOPs, layout plan and health and safety protocol will be advertised through the media to educate citizens.
The meeting participants were informed that local administrations will make sure that the cattle markets function between 06:00am to 07:00pm, contrary to the old practice, to minimise human interaction. Thermal screening of every citizen will be conducted before entering the markets. As per the SOPs, the wearing of the face mask would be mandatory for entering the markets.
The meeting also decided to implement SOPs for congregational prayers on Eidul Azha. Detailed deliberations were made on smart lockdowns in different areas of the country. The meeting also reviewed the future strategy related to smart lockdowns.
Meanwhile, a senior local government official highlighted that makeshift cattle markets will be established at 12 locations, including Lakhodair, LDA City, Kahna, DHA Phase 9, Gajjumatta, Sagian Bridge and NFC Housing Society, in the provincial capital. The government will provide free space to cattle traders on a first-come-first-served basis. No cattle trading will be allowed outside the markets. The local administration has also made arrangements for spraying disinfectant on sacrificial animals. Public toilets will be built and veterinary doctors will also be deputed.
The cattle trading and transportation in the country is a regular feature on Eidul Azha, but this huge movement of livestock and mass gatherings at cattle markets always pose threats of communicable diseases. This year, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, a comprehensive and focused approach is required and thus the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD), on the recommendations of a Technical Working Group, has issued SOPs to prevent its spread.
In this connection, a notification was also issued last week which highlights that as per the SOPs, the cattle markets will be established at designated points, a few kilometres away from city limits; and the number and size of the cattle markets will depend upon cattle base and transportation facilities.
Cattle markets to operate from 6am to 7pm: NCOC
As per the SOPs, only two people per vehicle will be permitted and no elderly people or children will be allowed into the market, and the management will ensure implementation of ‘distanced queue management’ at all entry points.
Moreover, animals will be pegged at distance in the sheds so that close gathering of customers can be avoided during the inspection of animals. The customers and sellers are required to wear face masks during their visit to the market. The visitors, sellers and market staff will go through a thermal scan at the entry point and any person detected with high temperature will be referred to medical camps for further assessment.
The Punjab Livestock Department has already been given the task to monitor the health of sacrificial animals.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 14th, 2020.
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