Police move on worshippers after reports of large gathering at Coventry temple

[dutchman]

More than 70 people reportedly gathered at the Baba Balak Nath Temple at the weekened



Police attended a temple in an area of Coventry with high Covid-19 rates after reports of a large gathering said to number at least 70 people.

Officers were called to the Baba Balak Nath Temple in Bell Green on Sunday (October 4) and moved people on in line with Covid-19 restrictions.

Under Government measures, places of worship have several exemptions from the ‘rule of six’ introduced to slow the spread of the virus.

However, worshippers must still socially distance from people they do not live with, or who do not belong to their support bubble.

The detailed Government advice stipulates that more than 30 people can pray in a place of worship or its grounds, provided the multiple groups of six do not mingle.

A passer-by, who asked not to be named, saw worshippers gathering at the Hindu temple in Proffitt Avenue shortly after 2.30pm.

The person said: “There were a lot of people filing out of the main doors at the front and heading round the sides to the rear of the premises.

"It seemed quite orderly and they were walking round in small groups as per the Government advice, but there were at least 70 people present.”

Coventry Police said today (Tuesday, October 6) it is examining CCTV and body-worn camera footage to determine if Covid-19 restrictions were breached.

Chief Inspector Suraya Latif, said: “We have received reports of large gatherings at the temple.

“Officers attended to move people on and spoke to the manager about the importance of adhering to Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing."