For the first time since the novel coronavirus was first identified late last year, there are now more reported cases outside of mainland China than inside, marking a new milestone in the evolution of the WHO declared pandemic.
The continued acceleration of cases comes as countries around the world rush to implement emergency measures in an effort to contain the virus and enforce social distancing, including nationwide lockdowns, imposing border and travel restrictions, school closures and ordering restaurants, cinemas and cafes to close or reduce services.
Here in Kashmir, the High Court has directed the J&K and Ladakh governments to put in place effective measures at religious and tourist places to deal with disease spread.
It also directed the two governments to notify and implement appropriate measures as are essential keeping in view the public health emergency at such places at the earliest.
Having several places of religious importance and popular tourist destinations there is not only heavy footfall of pilgrims but huge crowds during congregations at religious places. The pilgrims to these shrines are coming not only from various places in India but from all over the world.
A conglomerate of religious bodies of J&K, MMU, has said that people must offer Sunnah and Nawafil prayers at home and leave the mosques shortly after Fardh (obligatory) prayers.
Among others, the MMU urged all to refrain from organising events which require large gathering, deliver brief Arabic sermon during Friday congregations and seek Almighty’s refuge from the coronavirus outbreak.
“The elderly, the sick people are requested to stay home and pray there instead of coming to Masjids.”  While greeting other people, the MMU said, handshake and hugs should be avoided.
Earlier Saudi Arabia suspended prayers inside all but the holiest two mosques in Islam as the kingdom steps up efforts to contain the disease.
The decision seeks to direct worshippers to pray at home but does not affect prayers in Mecca’s Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
There are a number of precautions people have been asked to observe by the experts. Every individual must ensure adherence to them: maintain social distancing, adopt basic hygiene methods such as coughing into one’s elbow, hand-washing for at least 20 seconds and avoiding the touching face.
