The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal Shafqat Iqbal today urged the general public of district Ganderbal to suspend congregational prayers on forthcoming Shab-I-Qadir, Jumat-ul-Vida and Eid-ul-Fitr as a precautionary measure to combat the threat of COVID-19.The DC made these remarks during the meeting with the religious clerics of the district to discuss precautionary measures meant to be taken on forthcoming festivities to break the chain of Covid-19 infection transmission.He urged upon religious clerics of the district to become administration's messengers and sensitize the general public about the importance of social distancing and other precautions in these difficult times.While briefing the clerics about the measures to be taken for peaceful celebration of festivities, the DC said that although district administration has taken all strict measures to break the chain of the transmission of virus, but it is obligatory upon people to cooperate with the district administration and assist it in its efforts to defeat this global pandemic.He urged upon people to offer prayers on forthcoming festivities at their homes, and added that distancing helps break the chain of transmission which is critical to containing its spread.DC urged one and all to practice it along with all other precautions like wearing face masks and frequent hand-washing.Meanwhile, the Imams appealed general public of the district to offer prayers on forthcoming festivities in their homes as a precautionary measure to combat the threat of COVID-19.They also urged for maintaining social distance, observing total lock down and adopting other related advisories to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 infection.Among others the meeting was also attended by ADC Ganderbal, Farooq Ahmad Baba, ACR and other concerned.