Karnataka Asks Muslims To Break Fast At Home And Not Crowd Mosques During Ramzan

As the number of Covid-19 cases in the state continues to rise, the Karnataka government issued a fresh set of guidelines for the conduct of affairs during Ramzan season that took off this week.

As per reports, the state has advised Muslims to avoid crowding mosques and sought that those breaking fasts during ’Iftar’ do so at home and head to mosques only for prayer.

Given the tendency of people “to congregate in large numbers“ during Ramzan, the government said the growing cases call for strict compliance of Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviour (CAB).

Mosques are required to have floor markings to manage queues and face masks are made mandatory apart from thermal screening and hand sanitisation at the entrances.

Mosques are also advised to be frequently cleaned and disinfected and to sensitise people about the dos and don’t’s of the pandemic.

Pregnant women, children below 10 years, people above 60 and those with comorbidities are advised to stay at home.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa convened an all-party meeting on April 18 to discuss the handling of the pandemic, given the surge in cases. While denying the imposition of a lockdown, Yediyurappa hinted at more stringent regulations in the state after April 18.

“There is no proposal for a weekend curfew. However, we will deliberate whether night curfew can be extended (to other parts of the state)," he said, as reported.