WHO has issued guidance on mass gatherings with tools that help countries assess risks and determine if events should be cancelled or modified. WHO also published guidance specifically for religious leaders and faith-based groups in the context of COVID-19. The new guidance aims to help them better protect their communities throughout the pandemic. The guidance also includes information on safely holding gatherings where they are permitted, using technology to maintain community and continue worship, performing safe burials, safely paying respects to sacred or devotional objects, and supporting vulnerable community members.
For millions of people across the Western Pacific Region, this season of religious events and cultural festivities will be dramatically different, as governments discourage or ban large gatherings and urge people to stay home to slow or stop the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).