Mosques open for group prayers with restrictions

The Supreme Committee has decided to open mosques for group prayers with certain restrictions.

Accordingly, mosques with a capacity of not less than 100 people can reopen for the five times prayers only following the controls previously announced by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) and the Ministry of Health.

However, the Friday special prayers, Jumua prayers, wouldn't be allowed for the time being, and all other restrictions remain the same.

Mosques and other prayer halls were closed in March 2020 as a measure against Covid-19. They opened after eight months of closure on November 14 last year, after the situation improved.

Supreme Committee on Covid-19 allowed mosques to open at its meeting held under the chairmanship of Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior.

Accordingly, mosques with a capacity of not less than 400 people are allowed to open from today. No Friday congregation is permitted for the time being.

Speaking to the Observer, Abdul Aziz al Ghafry, Assistant General Manager of Preaching and Guidance at the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA), said strict vigil on safety should be observed in accordance with the Covid-19 protocols.

"We are happy to announce that the Supreme Committee has ordered to open all mosques with a capacity not less than 100 people and without jumua prayers," he said.

"Mosques with not less than 100 people coming to perform prayers will be allowed to open but strict adherence to Covid-19 safety norms should be observed from entry of believers till they leave after the mass congregations all five times of the day," Al Ghafry added.