Churches, Jain temples to shut

The impulse to go into a self lockdown in view of the spiralling number of Covid-19 cases spread in the city on Saturday with a cross-section of people deciding to barricade themselves in.

Residents of the Vasavinagar Colony joined their counterparts across the city and cordoned off their premises. On Sunday, residents were told that two of the five roads that lead into the colony were being sealed.

Vasavinagar Colony president Telukunta Sathish Gupta said: “We have made a representation to the police department. The latter told us that we can close the roads, at our own expense. We are already facing a torrid time due to two positive cases and do not want the numbers to go up.”

Some churches and Jain temples have decided to shut down in view of the Coronavirus situation. Many others, including the Chilkur Balaji temple, had not opened though they were allowed to do so on June 8.

Shri Parswanath Jain temple at Charkaman, Charminar, will be closed from Monday, said committee member Praveen Kumar Jain. The Shri Mahaveer Swamy Jain Shwetamber Mandir at Feelkhana will also be closed, though poojas will continue, said Mukesh Jain Chouhan.

St Mary’s Basilica, started with six masses on June 8 but Vicar-General Swarna Bernard said it would be closed. St Theresa Church, Erragudda, will shut its doors from Monday, Fr P. Jaya Paul Reddy said.

The Jamiat Ahle Hadees of the twin cities has already urged mosques under its jurisdiction to stop congregational prayers for 21 days.

A CROSS SECTION of people decided to barricade themselves

SOME CHURCHES and Jain temples decided to close their doors