(24 Apr 2020) Authorities in Pakistan imposed strict lockdown measures on Friday to stop people congregating inside mosques as Muslims worldwide begin celebrating Ramadan.
The decision came after consultation with clerics of different sects - with authorities now asking people to pray at home instead.
The restrictions come as Muslims worldwide begin Ramadan with dawn-to-dusk fasting.
Ramadan is usually a festive season, with the daylong fast followed by lavish meals and evening get-togethers.
But this year many are confined to their homes, travel is heavily restricted, and some will have to forgo the communal prayers and family gatherings that make the holy month special, as authorities maintain lockdowns aimed at slowing the pandemic.
In Pakistan's capital, Karachi, public transport also remained shut, while all schools, colleges, and universities across the province have been closed until the end of May.
As of Friday, the country has reported over 11,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 237 deaths, according to a tally by the Johns Hopkins University.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.
For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.
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