Punjab Government on Wednesday issued an advisory with regard to safe celebration of the holy month Ramadan in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. “Punjab Government, with the objective of containing human transmission of virus, has imposed restrictions on free movement of its residents as also has banned the congregations,” said an official spokesperson.
Spokesperson said that the Government has appealed to meticulously adhere to the guidelines under which all Masjids, Dargahs, Imambaras and other religious institutions shall remain closed and there will be a complete prohibition of congregational prayers (Nimaz-e-Bajamaat) including the Jumma and Taraweeh prayers.
Advising the people to offer prayers from their respective houses only, the spokesperson said that all types of celebrations including Urs, public and private Iftar parties or functions, Dawat-e-Sehri and any other religious function involving assembly of devotees shall be strictly avoided. Spokesperson said that public distribution of items like juices, sharbat or any other cooked food items at Masjid premises or their door to door distribution shall be strictly prohibited. Further, eatery shops or rehris shall not be allowed to be installed near the Masjid.
“Persons with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, heart ailments etc should undertake fast only after proper medical advice,” said the advisory.
As per the advisory, the public address system in Masjid should be used only for any announcements requested to be made by local authorities and, if required, for announcing the end of Sehri and start of Iftar time.
According the guidelines, people should stay at home and strictly adhere to social distancing norm of maintaining a distance of at least one metre from any other individual, including the relatives, friends, neighbors etc, at all times and during all days. “Hugging for the purpose of celebrating and greeting the other person must be avoided. Even the handshakes should be avoided,” said the spokesperson.
Highlighting the alternate means of communication and expression such as placing the hand over the heart, waving, nodding, spokesperson said that such medium of expression may be used for the purpose of greeting each other.