A number of pictures posted by a digital media network on Instagram Friday showed groups of people praying on rooftops in groups have earned the ire of many netizens saying that such actions could further worsen existing conditions. What’s Goin On Qatar (wgoqatar) has asked comments from followers if such gatherings are appropriate or a violation of the Qatar government’s decision to ban all forms of gatherings aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
“This is like mocking the rest of us staying home. Honestly, we all wanna pray Jumuah on Friday but we’re holding it in, so that we have better conditions sooner. But then, these gatherings could potentially prolong the existing conditions if a single person among them is infected without signs,” said one, adding that the people in the picture are disregarding the directives of authorities and efforts of health workers.
Another comment said that people can pray and at the same time respect the precautionary measures the government have implemented with hashtags #stayhome #staysafe and #beresponsible. The thread continued with a comment saying that: “Qatar is trying to do everything to protect its people for the coronavirus and then this happens... Punish them twice so hard! Totally disrespectful to the rules and laws.”
“Praying for God is good but they know the rules of 1.5m distance. There are people around the world who got or carry the virus that do not even know that they have it. The rules and laws are made for the people to protect them against this virus. Ignoring the rules or laws will caught them a bigger issue (sic),” the individual continued replying to another comment.
Another Instagram user commented: “This is endangering everyone. Please worship privately at your home during this time.”
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani issued the decision imposing a ban on all forms of gatherings at places including the Corniche, public parks and beaches and also social gatherings (or social functions at homes), in continuation of the efforts exerted by Qatar to combat Covid-19 outbreak.
HE the Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohamed AlKhater announced earlier that mobile patrols will be deployed and arrest anyone who violates the decision. The Committee also set up checkpoints in different regions of the country, in addition to dedicating a hotline (4457-9999) for reporting any violations of this decision and the previous related decisions.
Another person on the same wgoqatar post said: “But, don’t you think that this form of raising awareness is not reaching them. Like you can post pictures all day, but it wouldn’t reach them. And that’s part of the issue, we should find other ways, other than social media to spread awareness, because not everyone is on social media.”
Wgoqatar, meanwhile, urged people in Qatar to respect official decisions and apply them effectively as it limits the spread of Covid-19, citing a directive from the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to close mosques and stop group prayers. The digital media network also posted a series of posts citing some of the key takeaways from the sixth conference by the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s decision to completely shut down non-essential businesses from Friday.
Another comment said that people can pray and at the same time respect the precautionary measures the government have implemented with hashtags #stayhome #staysafe and #beresponsible. The thread continued with a comment saying that: “Qatar is trying to do everything to protect its people for the coronavirus and then this happens... Punish them twice so hard! Totally disrespectful to the rules and laws.”
“Praying for God is good but they know the rules of 1.5m distance. There are people around the world who got or carry the virus that do not even know that they have it. The rules and laws are made for the people to protect them against this virus. Ignoring the rules or laws will caught them a bigger issue (sic),” the individual continued replying to another comment.
Another Instagram user commented: “This is endangering everyone. Please worship privately at your home during this time.”
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani issued the decision imposing a ban on all forms of gatherings at places including the Corniche, public parks and beaches and also social gatherings (or social functions at homes), in continuation of the efforts exerted by Qatar to combat Covid-19 outbreak.
HE the Spokesperson of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohamed AlKhater announced earlier that mobile patrols will be deployed and arrest anyone who violates the decision. The Committee also set up checkpoints in different regions of the country, in addition to dedicating a hotline (4457-9999) for reporting any violations of this decision and the previous related decisions.
Another person on the same wgoqatar post said: “But, don’t you think that this form of raising awareness is not reaching them. Like you can post pictures all day, but it wouldn’t reach them. And that’s part of the issue, we should find other ways, other than social media to spread awareness, because not everyone is on social media.”
Wgoqatar, meanwhile, urged people in Qatar to respect official decisions and apply them effectively as it limits the spread of Covid-19, citing a directive from the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs to close mosques and stop group prayers. The digital media network also posted a series of posts citing some of the key takeaways from the sixth conference by the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s decision to completely shut down non-essential businesses from Friday.