DUSHANBE, 20.04.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Tajikistan has taken all the necessary measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 since the first days of its emergence.

A Task Force was organized, which consistently addressed all issues related to countering the pandemic and supplying the country’s population with food, medicine, and other necessities.

President Emomali Rahmon’s address on countering the pandemic, was included in his speech at the National Assembly’s first session on April 17, where he noted the measures taken by the government to counteract the spread of the virus, as well as other additional measures to stimulate the country’s socio-economic condition to overcome the pandemic’s consequences.

He has also instructed governmental and presidential Executive Office representatives to travel to all country’s cities and districts and in collaboration with the heads of local authorities and structures to help implement preventative measures.

Earlier this month, a decision was made by the Dushanbe Chairman to cancel all public gatherings planned for the Capital Day. On April 17, the local Ulema Council took a number of restrictive measures, such as banning congregational prayers, Friday prayers and taraweeh in mosques and jamaahs are banned until the situation improves. Also, during the month of Ramadan holding any meetings – taraweeh, iftar, festive walks and other events have also been banned. Due to the temporary ban on visiting the Holy Kaaba — Masjid ul-Haram, as well as others, the Ulema Council has called on citizens who intended to perform the Hajj to spend the funds earmarked for his purpose   toward improving their lives and dwellings, and doing good for their local community.

The Ulema Council also advises to strictly follow the recommendations of doctors, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population and WHO during fasting and other ceremonies.