As the fear of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)  creates tension, the government of Assam on Friday declared that Athgaon Kabristan Masjid as a containment zone and barred the entry of people in the Mosque for 14 days.

Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma speaking on the issue said that the decision to declare it as a containment zone was taken as it was traced that around three persons who are currently tested positive for COVID-19 and are under treatment had attended a congregation at the Mosque a few days back. There were at least 100 other people who attended the congregation and efforts to trace them are on.

The minister added that even the first person from Assam to die due to the COVID-19 had also visited the same mosque for a brief while.

He added that the zone will be a containment zone for 14 days and in between no one will be allowed to enter or exit from the mosque premises.

On the same day, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance of lockdown measures to fight COVID-19 and not allow any social, religious gathering and procession.

District authorities and field agencies have been informed on the specific prohibitions as mentioned in the Consolidated Guidelines on Lockdown Measures and that they should take all required precautionary and preventive measures for maintenance of law and order, peace and public tranquility.

A notice by the MHA stated that Appropriate vigil on social media should also be maintained against the circulation of any objectionable content.

The communication by the MHA further added, “For the attention of the public authorities, social, religious organisation and citizens, the respective provisions of the guidelines should be widely circulated.”

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