The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) announced a number of guidelines for organizing social events in light of the spread of the COVID-19.

The protocol aims to ensure the highest standards of prevention, and to implement the preventive measures recommended by health authorities in the country.

The protocol set a number of rules for holding weddings contract and other family events. Among those rules is that attendees are limited to first-degree relatives of the two families, and that the total number of attendees does not exceed 10 people.

It is preferable to conduct COVID-19 test 24 hours ahead the date of the event. Buffets are not allowed, and single-use dishes and cups for eating and drinking are preferable with constantly disinfecting surfaces and facilities. Provision of  hand sanitizers is also necessary. 

The MoHAP and NCEMA stressed the commitment to the preventive measures and the need to apply them in occasions, noting that the concerned authorities will be monitoring social events and fine those who do not abide by the rules.

These measures include physical distancing of no less than two meters, those who are suffering from respiratory symptoms or fever are urged not to attend, and preparing an isolation room in the event of a suspected case of COVID-19. The measures further include preventive awareness of ways of spreading disease, washing hands and the etiquette of sneezing and coughing, in addition to urging people with chronic diseases and the elderly not to attend the event.

The protocol recommended preventive measures in funerals and associated services such as prayer. Those measures include the need of wearing masks for workers in cemeteries, disinfecting the tools used before and after burial of the deceased. It is also recommended to wash hands frequently ad using approved disinfectants that contain at least 60-80 per cent alcohol. 

According to the protocol, only 10 people are allowed to attend the funeral ritual, while the number of people responsible for digging has been reduced to two only and the pallbearers to be between 4-8.

Workers in the cemetery must disclose any respiratory symptoms and avoid attending the funeral. In addition, awareness posters related to COVID-19 should be posted at the cemetery gate, and relatives of the deceased should be educated about the preventive measures. 

The MoHAP and NCEMA noted that supervisors from the competent authorities would present to ensure that health requirements are abided by in the cemeteries, as well as cops to prevent overcrowding and to prevent exceeding the number of attendees.