Japan dons face mask to GIant Buddhist goddess to pray for end of COVID-19 outbreak

A drone picture shows a mask placed on a 57-metre-high statue of Buddhist goddess Kannon to pray for the end of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic at Houkokuji Aizu Betsuin temple in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan in this handout photo taken on 15th June 2021. (Photo Credit – REUTERS)

The world's situation has deteriorated to the point where even goddesses must now wear masks. Yes, you read it correctly... the latest news has appeared in Japan's Giant Buddhist goddess receives a face mask in order to prevent the country's rapid spread of COVID-19. On Tuesday, workers ascended a huge statue of a Buddhist goddess in Japan to place a custom-made mask on her face as a prayer for the end of the coronavirus outbreak.

Reportedly, it took four employees three hours to hoist the enormous mask on ropes up the 57-meter-high (187-foot) white statue of the Buddhist goddess Kannon - the Goddess of Mercy - at Fukushima Prefecture's Houkokuji Aizu Betsuin shrine.

Further, they then draped a pink net cloth mask around the lower section of the statue's face, measuring 4.1 m by 5.3 m and weighing 35 kg (77 pounds).

Built 33 years ago, the statue is hollow with a spiral staircase that could be ascended to the height of the goddess' shoulder. People come to the statue, which is cradling a baby, to pray for safe deliveries and blessings for their infants.

Takaomi Horigane, temple manager, said workers came up with the concept for the face mask during discussions about restoring the statue after it was damaged in an earthquake in February.

Horigane stated that they intend to retain the mask on the statue until the COVID-19 situation in Japan is resolved.

Furthermore, this month only Japan will resolve whether to allow domestic spectators at the Tokyo Olympics, according to the government's senior spokesman on Wednesday, following media reports that a plan to allow up to 10,000 people at events was being considered.

When asked about the claims, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters that the final decision will take coronavirus illness circumstances and the incidence of virus variations into account.

Addressing the monuments, in India, the Taj Mahal has also announced its reopening for tourists on Wednesday, as the officials eased restrictions in the aftermath of the country's disastrous recent coronavirus spike. Infections and fatalities reached record highs in April and May, straining healthcare systems and forcing lockdowns and other restrictions in certain areas. Cases have decreased in recent weeks, as several major cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, have relaxed numerous restrictions.