Chandigarh, April 22: The Punjab Government has issued the advisory with regard to the safe celebration of the holy month Ramadan in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
Disclosing this, an official spokesperson said that the government of Punjab with the objective of containing the human transmission of the virus has imposed restrictions on free movement of its residents as also has banned the congregations. The celebrations of the holy month of Ramadan during this COVID-19 pandemic with restrictions in place requires careful adherence to certain preventive measures.
The Spokesperson further said that the Punjab 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. People are advised to offer prayers from their respective houses only. “All types of celebrations including Urs, public & private Iftar parties/functions, Dawat-e-Sehri and any other religious function involving assembly of devotees shall be strictly avoided” he added.
He said that public distribution of items like Juices, Sharbat or any other cooked food Items at the Masjid premises or their door to door distribution shall be strictly prohibited. Further eatery shops/Rehris shall not be allowed to be installed near the Masjid.
He also said that persons with pre-existing health conditions like Diabetes, Heart ailments etc. should undertake fast only after proper medical advice. He said that public addresses system in the 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.
He said that according the guidelines people should stay at home and strictly adhere to the social distancing norm of maintaining a distance of at least 1 metre from any other individual, including the relatives, friends, neighbors etc, at all times and during all days.
He said that hugging for the purpose of celebrating and greeting the other person must be avoided. Even the handshakes should be avoided.
Highlighting the alternate means of communication and expression such as placing the hand over the heart, waving, nodding, he said that such medium of expression may be used for the purpose of greeting each other.
He said that people are advised to offer prayers from their respective houses only and avoid all kinds of social gatherings for the Iftar and greetings during Ramadan.
He said that mobiles and other electronic media should be used to exchange greetings by the people.
