Myanmar Muslims offer mosques to help fight coronavirus

The Muslim community in Myanmar on Wednesday called for a unity in fighting the coronavirus as the country reported three positive cases of COVID-19, so far. 

The Muslim community in Myanmar on Wednesday called for a unity in fighting the coronavirus as the country reported three positive cases of COVID-19, so far. 

Tin Maung Than, secretary of Islamic Religious Affairs Council Myanmar, said thousands of mosques across the country could be used in fighting the coronavirus.

“There are more than 1,000 mosques in Myanmar as well as several Muslim religious schools. There are also hotels, apartments and buildings owned by Muslim businessmen. These places can be used temporarily in fighting virus,” he told Anadolu Agency by phone.

He added that the council informed the national and regional governments, and Ministry of Health and Sports that religious buildings could be turned into temporary hospitals and quarantine sites, if necessary.

Authorities imposed self-quarantine for Myanmar nationals who returned from neighboring countries such as Thailand, China and Laos through border passes.

“The council also requested local Muslim community to help those returnees in self-quarantine in their respective places,” he said.

“This is the time we have to join hand. With unity, we can overcome this situation,” he said.

Myanmar on late Tuesday reported third case of virus, known as COVID-19.

Health authorities have been on high alert since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a pandemic earlier this month.