The Ministry of Islamic Affairs , Call and Guidance in Saudi Arabia has announced that it has closed 10 mosques in a number of regions of the Kingdom following reports of coronavirus cases among worshipers and mosque employees. The department for Mosques, Call and Guidance in the Al-Dalam governorate was also shut down after the director of the department and six employees were infected with the virus.
According to the statement, on Monday, authorities shut down five mosques in the Riyadh region, of which three in the Horaimilah governorate, and one each in Al-Aflaj and Al-Dalam within two days. The closed mosques include three in the Northern Border region and one each in the Al-Mandaq governorate in Al-Baha region and in Dammam in the Eastern Province.
The ministry noted that the period of closure for sterilization will range between 24 hours and 48 hours. The ministry’s branch in the region and the department for mosques in the governorates will undertake the sterilization work through national companies specialized in sterilization and that is in coordination between the departments of mosques, health affairs, and mayoralties of regions.
Saudi Arabia: Shops Violating COVID-19 Protocols Face Instant Closure
The mosques will be reopened for worshipers after authorities ensure their fitness to receive worshipers following the sterilization process. In the event of infection of imam or muezzin, substitute imam and muezzin will be assigned to carry out the task, according to the statement.
The ministry called on worshipers to take all precautionary measures approved by the competent authorities such as wearing facemasks, bringing prayer rugs, and maintaining physical distance to keep them safe from the deadly infection. The ministry sought the cooperation of citizens and residents, asking them to report any violations or laxity in applying precautionary measures by calling the toll free number 1933.
Last year, Saudi authorities imposed a 24-hour curfew in Mecca and Medina on April 2, forcing residents to stay home at all times other than to buy food or access medical care. Gulf News Agency noted that, Saudi Arabia on Monday reported 356 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of cases to 370,634.
