The interior ministry is calling on the organizers of one of Taiwan’s largest Mazu processions to come up with an alternate plan in case the event needs to be postponed. That’s amid growing fears over the new coronavirus COVID-19.
Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, is one of the most popular deities in all of Taiwan. Each year, Mazu processions attract as many as a million people.
The Dajia Jenn Lann Temple holds one of the nation’s largest processions. Deputy Interior Minister Chen Tsung-yen on Wednesday urged the temple to come up with a plan B. He said that several religious activities have already been postponed or cancelled in order to avoid cluster infections.
Meanwhile, the temple’s chairman, Yen Chin-piao, said the procession will go ahead as planned. He said, though, that the temple will follow the government’s instructions if it chooses to ban the event.
Yen also said that the temple has already taken disease prevention measures, including canceling three major events honoring Mazu. Yen said that worshippers will also be able to follow the procession online.