Days ahead of Easter and two weeks before Ramadan, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, cautioned against crowded indoor celebrations that would trigger a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections.
WHO in a statement said, “In countries experiencing widespread community transmission of the virus, virtual meetings, postponing or reducing such gatherings should be seriously considered.”
The statement further added, “Regardless of location, any religious service should be held outdoors wherever possible or be limited in size and duration, with physical distancing, ventilation, hand hygiene, and mask use, as appropriate.”
It stated that it would be better to mark the festivals with those they lived with and avoid meeting others, especially if feeling unwell or in isolation or quarantine.
“Indoor gatherings, even smaller ones, can be especially risky.”
The experts expressed worries that some people may drop their guard while celebrating religious festivals, just as many countries are imposing restrictions to try to slow rising numbers of COVID-19 infections.
In the few days, Christians would celebrate Easter, while Muslims would begin fasting in the month of Ramadan on April 13.
