VIJAYAWADA: The state government on Friday issued Covid precautionary guidelines for celebrating Eid-ul-Azha (Bakrid) on July 21 across the state while allowing only 50% occupancy in mosques. According to the government order issued by the minorities welfare department, prayers shall not be performed at Eidgahs and open spaces and that it should be offered either at the mosques or at homes. Also, the mosques would be allowed only 50% occupancy with safe distancing being maintained between persons.
In a press release, A Md Imtiaz, secretary of minorities department, stated that Covid cases are around 3,000 per day in Andhra Pradesh and surrounding states like Kerala and Karnataka. “It is requested to offer Eid prayers at Masjids only, duly following physical distance norms and Covid protocol. Eid prayers in Masjids can be in more spells, if required,” the press release reads.
The government also advised Imams and Khateeb to keep their sermons short and advised senior citizens, children and pregnant woman conduct prayers at their homes.
The Waqf Board had asked the government to give instructions to all district collectors in respect to performing Eid prayers.
