Worship places reopen after 6 months, devotees need to take extra precautions

Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 16: After remaining closed for nearly six months, worship places in Jammu and Kashmir were thrown open on Sunday.
The authorities have announced that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been formulated to ensure that no overcrowding takes place at these places.
It may be recalled that soon after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir all the religious places were closed as a precautionary measure.
A medical expert while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The government will have to ensure that people take extra precautions. People will have to follow SOPs to ensure that virus doesn’t spread.”
An analyst said, “Medicos and experts have been studying the virus for the past six months. It’s very contagious but the patients can be cured. The fatality rate in Jammu and Kashmir has been around 2 to 3%. The people with underlying medical conditions are at a greater risk to catch infection.”
He said, “People who are suffering with co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension and kidney ailments should refrain from visiting the religious places till the vaccines become available in the market.”
The analyst said that even the Hajj 2020 was performed with minimum number of pilgrims and the authorities in Saudi Arabia ensured that no SOPs are violated. “The outbreak of COVID-19 has taught us many things and people have lived in difficult situations. It’s just a matter of few more months before the vaccine appears and the people get the protection which they have been waiting for during all this time,” the analyst added.
Recently Wakf Board had sought assistance from the administration to put the SOPs in place to ensure safety of the devotees.
The Board had written to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir that annual Urs at Char Yaar will be observed at Dargah, Hazratbal; Jinab Sahib Soura; Asari Shareif, Kalashpora; Kabamarg and other places on August 18.
It had informed that large gatherings are expected at these places and concerned agencies should make necessary arrangements with regard to security, electricity, water, cleanliness, fire service, transport and medical aid.
An observer said, “Reopening of religious places after a period of six months could lead to people visiting these places in huge numbers. The authorities have to ensure that numbers remain restricted so that social distancing norms are followed. All of us are aware of the fact that COVID-19 is contagious and it has already spread within the community. Devotees should ensure that they take proper care of themselves.”