Cattle market SOPs
This year the government has decided to increase the number of cattle markets for Eidul Azha and shrink their size in view of the coronavirus pandemic. This strategy of dispersal is to prevent the gathering of buyers and sellers in large numbers at one place. The SOPs for the setting up cattle markets have been prepared, in consultation with all provinces and regions, by the National Command and Operations Centre. The SOPs were finalised in a meeting presided over by NCOC Chairman Asad Umer on Monday. It was attended by Punjab CM Usman Buzdar, Health Minister Yasmin Rashid, Law Minister Basharat Raja, senior officials and representatives of other provincial governments.
The meeting has decided to establish 700 cattle markets across the country and they will function from 6am to 7pm to limit human interaction. Wearing of masks will be mandatory for those entering the markets, and also for sellers of cattle. All buyers and sellers will have to pass through thermal gates while entering the markets. Those running temperature above a certain level will be sent to hospital. Hand sanitiser and soap for customers and sellers will be made available. Elderly persons and children will not be allowed inside markets, and only two people per vehicle will be permitted for transportation of animals. Animal markets will be allowed to be set up several kms away from the city limits. No cattle trading will be allowed outside the cattle markets. The municipal authorities will ensure spraying of cattle with disinfectants. Maintaining social distancing will be mandatory at cattle markets like other places where people tend to gather in large numbers.
For Eidul Azha, social distancing and other preventive measures against the coronavirus have also been finalised. The SOPs governing animal sacrifice and other Eidul Azha rituals will also be advertised in the media. It’s essential to educate people about steps to protect themselves from the deadly virus.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2020.
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