Lalish Temple, Churches and other religious places are closed as preventative measures against the spread of coronavirus. People are also asked to pray at their homes.
Based on decisions of federal of regional government, it is more than a week that religious places are closed and people’s public gatherings are prohibited with the aim of preventing outbreaks of coronavirus.
Luqman Sliman, head of media office at Lalish Temple in Sheikhan district, said, “lalish has been closed since Marh 7th to protect hleath of people. No religious ceremonies is arranged.”
In Iraq , including the Kurdistan Region, 75 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed.
“From now on, the Ezidis can pray at their homes,” Sliman said.
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) decided to halt the religious ceremonies at the mosques, churches, and temples to an unknown time.
Sheikhan, closure of Lalish temple, March , 2020. Photo: Exclusive to KirkukNow
Shia Wakf suspended Friday pray, but Suni Wakf only shortened the period of Friday pray and asked people who are suspected to be infected by the virus not to visit the mosques.
Jozif Elyas Yalda, a Christian figure in Alqosh, Nineveh, said,“it has been a week that all the churches in Iraq including the Kurdistan Region have been closed. Pray, funeral and other activities are suspendeed and the Christians are following the decision.”
Also, closure of the Churches is not a barrier for praying, “everyone can pray at their homes because praying is something between human and God, so wherever it is, it can be done.”No cases of coronavirus are recorde in Ninveh as of now. Nevertheless, preventative measures against the virus have been taken.
