The government of Pakistan has decided to capitulate to Islamic clerics and leave mosques open for Ramadan, with the hope that its citizens will decide for themselves to stay home and pray, or otherwise be careful not to spread coronavirus, should they decide to attend mosque. Guidelines were provided “which includes keeping six feet distances between worshippers, the removal of carpets, disinfection of mosque floors and cooperation with authorities.” Many Western countries, including Canada, still are allowing flights from countries such as Pakistan and China, without proper screening.
More on this story. “Some Muslims refuse to pray at home despite the coronavirus,” by Shafique Khokhar, Asia News, April 20, 2020:
Islamabad (AsiaNews) – Many Muslims in Pakistan are refusing to stay home to pray and insist on going to mosques, thus going against the indications on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The government has adopted a 20-point plan to fight the disease during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and prayer.
The strategy, which imposes restrictions on prayers in public, comes as the COVID-19 virus continues to affect more people with 8,000 reported cases and 159 deaths….
…But in many ways, religion is more important than anything else in Pakistan, even more important than the pandemic.
“The mosque is a safe place,” the owner of an Islamabad kiosk told AsiaNews. “I am not afraid of the coronavirus,” he added. Many people share his view and are ready to take risks just to pray in one…..