Covid-19 Bengaluru: Government issues guidelines for Ramzan

Bengaluru: On Tuesday, the Karnataka government issued new guidelines for devotees during the Ramzan fasting from Wednesday.

State minority welfare, Wakf and Haj secretary P Mannivanan said, “The steep increase in the number of positive cases daily across the state calls for strict compliance of Covid appropriate behaviour during Ramzan and the concerned rituals for which people congregate in mosques in large numbers.”

Mosques in containment zones will remain closed even for offering prayers till it is further notified, as per the guidelines.

Basic protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, washing hands, thermal screening and providing sanitisers have been made compulsory in all mosques and Eidgah maid and where namaz is held.

According to another guideline, people above 60 years of age and persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years are advised to remain at home and offer prayers there.

The notification makes it compulsory to have separate gates at mosques for arrival and departure to ensure social distancing.

Mannivanan said, “Entry of devout will be staggered and regulated to avoid crowding in mosques and the grounds.”

The devotees are also requested to bring their own mats for namaz and other rituals.

The order does not permit to hold iftar or any other food services inside the mosque premises to maintain hygiene and avoid crowding. It also said that the mosques should be sanitised after every namaz.