The imam of one of Blackburn’s biggest mosques has urged people within the Muslim community to get a Covid test.

Imam Rashid Ghani of Blackburn’s Raza Mosque, Randal Street is encouraging the local community to get involved with surge testing to help control the spread of the Indian variant of Coronavirus.

Surge testing and vaccinating has been taking place in Blackburn, along with a number of other impacted areas in the UK, after cases of the B1617.2 mutation increased.

In a special video message shared by Blackburn with Darwen Council Imam Ghani says: “I am here to urge our community – the Muslims of Blackburn- to co-operate and take part in this present surge testing process. It is very important we do not endanger ourselves and our loved ones and the people we work with. 

“It is important the government tracks and traces the spread of the current Indian variant. The whole purpose of the surge testing process is that they get a better idea of the influence of the Indian variant.

“It is important that you collect these tests from your local hubs. Do not hesitate.

“Even the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said ‘the best of people is he who is beneficent to the people.”