https://arab.news/6hdm3
- Worshippers were required to keep a distance of two meters from each other whilst praying
- A curfew to prevent the spread of coronavirus was lifted in the Kingdom on Sunday
MAKKAH: Worshippers performed Friday prayers in mosques in Makkah for the first time on Friday since a coronavirus curfew was completely lifted in Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
Mosques in the holy city opened 20 minutes before the call to prayer and closed 20 minutes after the prayer had ended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Worshippers were required to keep a distance of 2 meters from each other whilst praying, bring their own prayer mats and wear masks.
Ablution areas and toilets in mosques remain closed and children are not allowed to attend as part of preventive measures.
Medical teams have also been stationed at the main entrances to the mosques in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.
A media awareness campaign has been launched to highlight safety procedures at the holy site.
Elsewhere in the Kingdom, worshippers also flocked to perform Friday prayers at mosques amid strict health measures.
Saudi authorities reopened all mosques for prayers as part of the Kingdom’s plan for a gradual return to normal life.
The minister of Islamic affairs, dawah and guidance said that the country’s mosques were ready to welcome back worshippers, following his field trips to check that necessary preparations had been made.