Highlights
- 24 COVID-19 cases reported and 6 dead after attending Delhi mosque congregation
- More than 400 people with symptoms taken to hospital for testing
- States across India alerted to locate people who attended this event
The suspected outbreak was discovered on Tuesday in Delhi after six people, who returned to their state from the Tablighi Jamaat gathering (a religious Muslim gathering) in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area died due to COVID-19.
The large congregation was held on March 13-15 where more than 3,000 delegates gathered from across India and overseas including from Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan.
The event was held before India went into a 21-day lockdown.
Cases linked to Delhi mosque event reported across India
More than 1000 left for their homes after the congregation was discontinued sparking fears the virus has now spread across the country.
Six participants who returned to Telangana, an eastern state in India, have died from the virus and positive cases have emerged in at least five regions including Jammu, Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Telangana Chief Minister's Office said in a tweet, "Six people from Telangana who attended a religious congregation at Markaz in Nizamuddin area of New Delhi from March 13-15 succumbed after they contracted coronavirus. Two died in Gandhi Hospital while one each died in Apollo Hospital, Global Hospital, Nizamabad and Gadwal."
On Monday, the authorities in New Delhi sealed the area where the congregation was held and more than 1500 still present at the mosque were seen being taken either to hospitals or to quarantine centres.
“The situation is still unravelling with the people who were taken out of the mosque. In coming two to three days, we are likely to see more people testing positive,” Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal told reporters at a press conference.
Indian paramedics note down names of Muslims pilgrims before they are taken to a quarantine facility, amid concerns over the spread of the new coronavirus. Source: AAP Image/AP Photo/Manish Swarup
“Of 1538 people taken out of the mosque, 441 people showed symptoms and have been taken for testing. 24 people have tested positive and we are awaiting results for others,” Mr Kejriwal said.
States have also asked other people who attended to come forward for testing.
Police register case against the chief cleric and Tablighi Jamaat
Delhi Police have registered a case against the head of the mosque, Maulana Saad and others of Tablighi Jamaat.
"Haven't violated any guidelines", says Jamaat
However, in a statement shared with Indian media, the event's organisers have denied any wrongdoing.
"During this entire episode, Markaz Nizamuddin never violated any provision of law, and always tried to act with compassion and reason towards the visitors who came to Delhi from different states. It did not let them violate the medical guidelines by thronging ISBTs or roaming on streets," the statement said.
They said the program was discontinued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Janata curfew (self-imposed restrictions) but many were stuck in the premises due to the closure of railway services on March 21.
A civil defense volunteer keeps a vigil outside Jama Mosque to control coronavirus spread in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Source: AAP
"Before the Janta Curfew could be lifted at 9 pm, the Delhi chief minister announced lockdown of Delhi beginning at 6 am on March 23 till March 31, thereby further diminishing any chances of these visitors availing road transport for their journey back home," the statement said.
The number of novel coronavirus cases in India climbed to 1,611 on Tuesday, while the death toll due to the COVID-19 pandemic rose to 45.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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