The FCT minister, Muhammed Bello, has asked imams to ensure that sermons are short so that the entire Eid prayers do not exceed one hour.

He said this during a meeting of the FCT Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) on COVID-19.

This resolution is part of the guidelines reached for the Eid-al-Adha prayer and celebrations in the territory.

The meeting reviewed the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the FCT especially as it relates to the upcoming Sallah celebrations.

According to a statement issued by the chief press secretary to the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, the meeting noted the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country and the FCT and the possibility of a third wave and sought ways to curtail its spread.

“Thus, guided by the advice of the health professionals, the following guidelines are hereby issued for the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations in the FCT.

“All Eid prayers in the FCT are to be held in the open spaces at Jumma’at mosques as well as the National Eid Ground.

“All open Eid grounds should have multiple entries and exit points with hand washing and temperature checking facilities,” the statement read.

The statement noted that the holding capacity of Eid grounds should be reduced to 50 per cent to ensure physical and social distancing.

“All parks and recreational grounds and facilities shall remain closed throughout the festive period.

“Worshippers are enjoined to adhere to all prescribed non-pharmaceutical preventive measures of facial coverings, constant hand washing and physical distancing.”

The meeting was attended by the permanent secretary of the FCTA, Olusade Adesola; the chief of staff to the FCT Minister, Bashir Mai-Bornu; the coordinator, WHO FCT Office, Furera Zakari and Kawu Mohammed, the acting secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat.

Others are the chairman, FCT League of Imams Initiative, Tajudeen Adigun; Ikharo Attah, the head of media and publicity, FCT Enforcement Task Team and other relevant officials.