Saudi Arabia prohibits Friday prayers at mosques amid coronavirus pandemic
As part of its precautionary steps against the novel coronavirus, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has banned Friday prayers and other main prayer congregations at all mosques in the country.
According to authorities in the Kingdom, the suspension removes two of the holiest mosques in the Muslim world in Makkah and Madina, Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid Al-Nabwi.
The request for prayers (Azaan) will be made on microphones or by a loud voice. The country’s religious leaders have urged people to worship at home, before further notice.
Saudi Arabia has reported 171 cases of the coronavirus so far. Earlier, all flight operations were suspended in the region. It also closed down malls and restricted all public meetings.
The pandemic has infected at least 200,000 people, and caused 8,000 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
