Asked by: Lord Ahmed (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have provided, and plan to provide, in relation to religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Lord Bethell
The Government has introduced social distancing guidance which should be implemented across all sectors including religious gatherings, this will help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. A copy of Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK is attached.
Additionally, a scientific evidence-based review on the impact of mass gatherings on an influenza pandemic has been published. A copy of Impact of Mass Gatherings on an Influenza Pandemic: Scientific Evidence Base Review is attached.
Asked by: Lord Ahmed (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have provided to the Muslim Council of Britain about (1) Friday prayers, and (2) the celebration of Ramadan, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Lord Bethell
The Muslim Council of Britain continues to follow the Government’s and National Health Service COVID-19 advice as well as publishing their own guidance for the Muslim community. This guidance includes plans for likely suspension of congregational activities, advice for congregation members to keep good hygiene and support for the socially vulnerable and isolated. A copy of Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for mosques/madrasas and Umrah Pilgrims is attached.
There is information on how Ramadan may be affected and whether United Kingdom mosques must similarly prepare for the very likely possibility of suspending iftar programs and congregational tarawih prayers.