Andhra government issues guidelines framed for Muharram celebrations amid Coronavirus

Mohammed Iliyas, secretary of the Minority Welfare Department, made it clear that devotees must abide by the covid‌-19 rules announced by the central and state governments during the Moharram festival. He said the orders would be in force for ten days from August 20. The following rules should be followed on this occasion. The government has directed collectors and department heads to take steps to implement these.

Here are the guidelines to be followed

1. Mujawars, Muthawallis and members of the Managing Committee at the Peer Chavidi should not exceed 10 members.

2. Physical distance should be observed mandatorily.

3. Patiya (meal) should be provided to the people and devotees in their homes.

4.There should be sanitizers at the peer Chavidi.

5. Adults and children with coughs, colds and fevers should be prevented from approaching the pier.

6. On the last two days the procession should not exceed ten people.

7. Animal sacrifice at Ashoorkhanas (Peerla Chavidi) and orchestral bands are prohibited.

8. Distribution of tabaruk/sharbat and drinking water shall be permitted in sealed packets and bottles by maintaining social distance.

Meanwhile as far as coronavirus cases in the state are concerned, in the latest media health bulletin released by Andhra Pradesh health department on Wednesday, as many as 9497 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the last twenty four hours taking the tally to 2,54,146. According to Andhra Pradesh Health department, 6676 persons have recovered from covid-19 and discharged while 93 people have been reported dead. While as many as 1,61,425 people have been discharged and 1681 people have died so far while as many as 90,425 patients are taking the treatment at various covid hospitals. When it comes to tests, 57,148 samples were tested in the last 24 hours which includes 24,311 rapid antigen tests and 32,837 VRDL, Trunat and NACO.