Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia announces reopening of mosques
by Times News ServiceMuscat: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the reopening of mosques for worshipers, with the implementation of a number of precautionary measures, including not allowing children under the age of 15 to enter.
The Saudi Press Agency published a statement from the Minister of Islamic Affairs which said: "Allowing Friday and congregational prayers to be held in mosques while adhering to the precautionary measures reflects the leadership's interest in citizens and residents and ensuring their safety."
The precautionary measures applied at mosques will include opening of windows and doors from the time of entry until the end of the prayer, and the withdrawal of Qur’ans and books in the mosques, in order to not transmit the infection between the worshipers.
The procedures also include obligating worshipers to leave a distance between each worshiper of two metres, leaving space of one row between each row, closing all water coolers and refrigerators, not permitting the distribution of water, food and miswak. Closing toilets and maintaining the suspension of religious lessons in mosques until further notice.
His Excellency the Minister directed the imams to educate the worshipers of the need to take precautionary measures, persist in washing hands, sterilising them and wearing cloth masks as well as asking the worshipers to bring their own carpets with them.
He also urged them to educate the elderly and the sick to pray at homes, and not to bring children less than fifteen years of age to mosques.