The Religious Board of Muslims of Russia has proposed communities in the regions to allow collective prayers in mosques with the participation of parishioners, a letter signed by the first Deputy Chairman of the Organization Damir Mukhetdinov reads.
"Taking into account the statement of the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova on the stabilization of the epidemiological situation in the country (dated May 25, 2020), in connection with which many regions of Russia are planned to gradually ease restrictions due to the pandemic, the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation considers it appropriate for Muslim organizations in their jurisdiction to gradually remove restrictions on collective prayers starting June 1, 2020," a document quoted by RIA Novosti says in particular.
At the same time, religious organizations in the regions have set a number of conditions, the first of which is "to focus on the resolutions, decrees and other documents of state and local authorities", as well as to take into account expert opinions and assessments.
"Remove restrictions in stages, for example, on the first Friday (June 5) to limit the number of worshippers at Friday prayer and place them in the hall with respect for social distance," the letter says.
According to the document, believers over 65 years of age and chronic patients were advised to refrain from visiting the mosque, and people "with the slightest signs of SARS" would not be allowed to collective prayers at all.
Religious organizations were also ordered to provide parishioners with antiseptic hand treatments, observe a mask-and-glove regime, and "strictly follow the recommendations for disinfection of premises."
"Based on the assessments and criteria set in the region, the clergy and regional leaders make the appropriate decisions themselves. In rural areas, for example, in a number of Tatar villages, there are no signs of the disease at all," Damir Mukhetdinov commented on the document to the Agency.
Mosques, prayer houses, educational institutions and cultural centers of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Russian Muslims Council did not accept believers for more than two months due to the spread of new coronavirus infection.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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