YANGON-Well-wishers distributed face masks to the pilgrims in Shwedagon Pagoda yesterday.

There were about 300 face masks distributed to the pilgrims. But the number of visitors decreased comparing to previous days.

The Ministry of Health and Sports released a statement to the public on February 23rd, warning that people should avoid crowded places and public gatherings.

Zaw Htay, a spokesperson of the President Office said at the press conference held in Nay Pyi Taw on March 13th that pilgrims weren’t banned to pay homage to Shwedagon pagoda.

After the World Health Organization announced the declaration on March 11th that the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19 ) was a pandemic, the government had banned public gatherings, including the upcoming Thingyan Water Festival until the end of April.

Likewise, the Churches and mosques suspended their prayer meetings.

Moreover, the government canceled many pagoda festivals across the country and shut down the cinemas as precautions against COVID-19 spread.

The President’s Office announced a statement on March 13th saying that as COVID-19 can rapidly spread in crowded places. The government requested the public not to hold public gatherings, including ceremonies and festivals, starting from March 13th to the end of April. If needed, the period will be extended.

The announcement also urged the public to exactly follow the warnings released by the Ministry of Health and not to believe the fake news.