The Governor of holy city of Karbala, Nassif Al-Khattabi, confirmed the adoption of new standards for the upcoming Ashura pilgrimage, in a manner that had not been previously applied, in order to preserve the lives and safety of citizens due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.
Local media outlets cited the official as saying that "The local government, in coordination with the administration of the holy shrines, the department of rituals and Hussaini processions, and a number of the owners of the processions and services bodies, had reached an agreement to adopt new preventive standards during the conduct of Ashura rituals, especially the social distancing, wearing masks and gloves, and sterilization operations. "
"Al-Khattabi" explained, "Everyone has expressed their willingness to cooperate regarding the measures that will be taken, especially as they will ensure the permanence of the Hussaini rituals and at the same time the safety and health of citizens."
