JERUSALEM: Muslims in Jerusalem are praying outside in small groups during Ramadan as measures aimed at curbing the coronavirus pandemic remain in place, including a halt to prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Prayers at Jerusalem’s world-famous religious sites were halted or heavily restricted last month as Israel and the Palestinian Authority imposed sweeping lockdowns to prevent the spread of the virus.
Some regulations have been lifted in recent days, allowing many non-essential businesses to reopen.
But the ban on large gatherings remains in place. Group prayers can only be held outside by up to 19 people standing at least two meters apart.
Ramadan usually brings tens of thousands of worshippers to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the adjacent Dome of the Rock for evening prayers known as “taraweeh.” The site is administered by an Islamic endowment, which halted prayers there several weeks ago.
Shops in Muslim-majority areas are required to close at 6 p.m. every night but can make deliveries.
FASTFACT
The Palestinian Authority has reported nearly 330 coronavirus cases and two fatalities.
The measure is aimed at preventing people from gathering after the daily dawn-to-dusk fast.
Israel imposed similar measures to prevent gatherings during recent holidays.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the occupied West Bank, has also heavily restricted movement over the last six weeks.
The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most patients, who recover within a few weeks, but it can cause severe illness or death, particularly older people and those with underlying health problems.
Israel has reported more than 16,000 cases and 223 deaths. More than half of those infected in Israel have recovered.
The Palestinian Authority has reported nearly 330 cases and two fatalities.
