THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that the Bakrid celebrations in the state will be carried out as per COVID-19 protocol. Speaking to the media, the CM said that he had held a video conference with Islamic leaders in the state and all the leaders have expressed solidarity to the government's suggestion of carrying out the celebrations as per COVID protocol.

According to the CM, only essential rituals will be performed and the celebrations will be conducted as per the protocol. Eidgah will not be arranged at public places for offering mass prayers. The CM also added that prayers will be held only in mosques. Only a maximum of 100 people shall be allowed to take part in the prayers at mosques and strict social distancing measures shall be followed, the CM added. The religious leaders have also agreed to conduct COVID-19 test for those who are involved in animal sacrifice ritual.

The CM also said that mosques should restrict entry to strangers. Meanwhile, several mosques that remained closed even after the lockdown came to an end, have informed that they will remain shut on the day of Bakrid as well, he added.