Srinagar: The holy month of Ramadan commenced on Monday and it’s for the second consecutive year that the sacred month will be observed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, also people couldn’t assemble in large numbers to offer congregation and night prayers in mosques. This year also the COVID norms are in force as the second wave of the pestilence has made things difficult for everyone.
It’s in place to mention here the Jammu and Kashmir administration last week imposed Corona night curfew in eight district of the union territory. However, on Sunday Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, tweeted: “Have directed DCs/SPs to facilitate observance of prayers/religious functions during the holy month of Ramadan during curfew timings, wherever necessary.”
A medico while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The Covid virus getting mutated has led to the resurgence of pestilence. People will have to avoid large gatherings. Wearing of masks is must and people visiting the mosques should ensure that they maintain distance from each other.”
It’s in place to mention here that J&K on Monday recorded this year’s highest spike in COVID-19 cases as more than 1200 people tested positive for the virus across the union territory.
An expert said, “Despite rise in COVID cases markets remain crowded. There is no social distancing maintained in public transport. If people keep on taking the present wave causally the government won’t be left with any other option other than imposing a lockdown. People will have to behave responsibly to prevent yet another closure of businesses.”
A medico said that there is every possibility about J&K witnessing rise in cases in coming days as the experts have predicted that the “second wave peak” is about to come. “Number of patients visiting the hospitals is increasing with each passing day. The space is getting filled. If the cases keep on increasing we will need more facilities to accommodate the critical patients as they need life support systems to survive. The coming days are going to be tough,” the medico added.
Many religious organizations have urged people to offer prayers in local mosques rather than central mosques in their areas. “We are taking all the possible steps to ensure that too many people don’t assemble in one mosque only. People are sensible enough and are aware about the fact that they have to keep themselves safe. We have assured the administration that we will cooperate in every possible way,” said a cleric.
Ramadan commences amid second COVID-19 wave
