Bahrain - New guidelines have been proposed to ensure Ashoora is marked safely this year amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
Supreme Council for Health president and National Taskforce to Combat Coronavirus chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday said Ashoora commemoration should be restricted to remote broadcasting – not exceeding 20 minutes.
Only people in charge of ma’atams should be present at community centres, he said.
He made the remarks at a virtual meeting with Jaffari Endowments Council board of directors, led by Yussef bin Saleh Al Saleh.The meeting discussed precautionary measures to be implemented during Ashoora season to ensure public health and safety.
Gatherings are the main cause of Covid-19 spread, Dr Shaikh Mohammed said, highlighting the need to avoid processions, banquets and opt for home delivery of food.
The SCH chief stressed that regional and global health conditions are still at stake, citing the World Health Organisation’s warning of a second wave of Covid-19, as many countries intend to ease restrictions and pre-emptive measures.“Based on the current epidemiological situation, and with citizens’ readiness to mark Ashoora, a set of preventive measures have been taken to preserve the health and safety of mourners and the community,” he said.
Dr Shaikh Mohammed urged ma’atam staff involved in live broadcasting to wear face masks and ensure social distancing.
He also called on community centres to record names of its staff and ensure their safety through Covid-19 tests in co-ordination with the Health Ministry.The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs had earlier announced that prayers at mosques would be suspended and religious gatherings avoided until the rate of coronavirus infections decreases to levels set by the authorities.
The Jaffari Endowments Council yesterday stressed the need to ban gatherings outside community centres and on public roads.
It also called for the closure of women community centres and home majlises, noting that Ashoora could be commemorated individually, within the same family at home or through social media networks.CommitmentThe council also called on community centres’ managements to ensure that Ashoora images and manifestations are placed within the vicinity of the centres.
Loudspeakers should be restricted for live transmission, it said.The National Taskforce said it bets on the awareness and commitment of Bahrainis and their keenness to give priority to the health and safety of everyone.
The meeting is part of the task force’s efforts to ensure continued commitment to precautionary measures, including the banning of public gatherings, which has been found to be the main reason for the spread of the pandemic.
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