‘Don’t go to mosques if you have symptoms’

Islamic Foundation yesterday advised people who are returning home from abroad -- suffering from coronavirus-like symptoms such as fever, cold and cough -- to avoid going to mosques and public gatherings to contain the spread of the virus.

A special situation is prevailing across the country now as the coronavirus took an epidemic turn worldwide, said a press statement issued by the government body.

Flight operations on international routes has been suspended, and there are reports of deaths every day across the world while new people are getting infected with coronavirus, the statement added. As part of the cautionary measures, Bangladesh has closed all educational institutions and advised people to avoid public gatherings. Under these circumstances, the Islamic Foundation advises people who are returning home from abroad with coronavirus-like symptoms and are suffering from fever, cold and cough not to come to mosques for prayers, it said. 

The Islamic Foundation also advised imams to discuss the issue, putting adequate heed to raise awareness on preventing the spread of coronavirus.