Authorities set to enforce social distancing during Ramadan

More police officers will be deployed to prevent worshippers from gathering in large numbers during the coronavirus outbreak.

PESHAWAR -- Pakistani police will enforce social-distancing measures during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan even as the country eases anti-coronavirus lockdown restrictions to allow worshippers to gather in mosques, authorities say.

With Ramadan set to begin on Friday (April 24), "patrolling will be increased before iftar and during prayers," said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Zahoor Babar Afridi. Officials have held meetings with religious scholars to ensure social distancing during prayers to prevent the spread of COVID-19, he said.

Pakistan had 9,749 confirmed cases of the coronavirus with 209 deaths as of Wednesday (April 22), according to the government.

Officials have closed malls, restaurants and public places in parts of Pakistan as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Authorities will permit taraweeh and other prayers in mosques if they enforce precautionary measures, said President Arif Alvi during a recent meeting with top religious scholars.

"The mosques will be disinfected, while there will be six feet of distance between worshippers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus," Alvi said, adding that worshippers should avoid shaking hands and gathering in large numbers before and after prayers.

He urged religious scholars to educate worshippers and the rest of the public about the ability of large gatherings to spread the disease.