The Ulema's high commission for fighting the coronavirus on Sunday imposed a ban on all religious, political and cultural gatherings until the full eradication of COVID-19 in the country in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus in Afghanistan.

The decision was made as last week the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs announced restrictions on Friday prayers and regular prayers in mosques.

The commission members, joined by officials of the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs, in the fatwa also called on the people to stay at home and avoid going to mosques for five-time prayers.

The clerics called on the people to pay attention to health advices, saying that their decision was based on the Quran and Hadith.

The fatwa also mentions that the funeral of a person who dies of the coronavirus should be carried out in accordance with special measures, and with fewer relatives.

The Ministry of Public Health has reported 349 positive cases of the coronavirus in the country.

The head of the commission, Abdul Salam Abid, called on the government to exempt people from taxes until the situation gets back to normal.

He also called on businessmen to help the vulnerable people. “We also call on dignified businessmen to exempt shopkeepers from the rent in order to help the people and ease concerns,” he added.

This also comes as at least 500 mosques were closed in Herat late last week in an attempt by the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the province.