KATHMANDU: The government has appealed the religious communities to abstain mass prayers citing health security reasons induced by coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking in the regular briefings on behalf of the government, Dr. Bikash Devkota, the spokesperson of the Ministry for Health and Population appealed the groups offering mass prayers specially the Muslims joining mass prayer ‘Namaj’ to abstain it for security reasons.
One of the major festivals of Muslims, the ‘Ramadan’ is starting from April 23. The month long festival of Muslim community has mass prayer ‘Namaj’ and the festival also involves meal charity or party as well.
“Despite high respect to all religious communities, we appeal all people to continue their religious rituals staying at home considering the health risks the mass prayers or mass movement might induce,” Dr. Devkota said.
Jamatis to have COVID-19 tests
According to the sources, a discussion held between the Muslim Commission and the government officials have agreed to execute tests of the Jamatis in Nepal.
Similarly, the COVID-19 tests will be carried out in the mosques they are staying in the places around it. They have agreed to keep the Jamatis in the Madrassas, the schools meant for Muslim children.
According to the Ministry, Muslim Commission will make a monitoring committee to ensure the activities. The committee members will visit the places and coordinate with the ministry for the necessary actions when required.
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