Mosques in the Gaza Strip were allowed to reopen for Friday prayers following a 50-day closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Muslim worshipers were allowed to attend the last Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramadan under strict measures introduced by Gaza’s Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Ministry of Health.
Worshipers were asked to bring their own prayer rugs wear face masks and keep spaces between each other and they were given hand sanitizers as they entered mosques.
Children women elders and people who have health problems or chronic diseases were urged to stay at home.
Police officers deployed at the doors of mosques to make sure those allowed to attend the first allowed prayers in two months are abiding by the introduced measures.
Ministry of Health has recently reported 35 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the Gaza Strip which brings the total number to 55. However the ministry assured the public that the cases are among those who have recently returned to the enclave through Rafah crossing and remained in quarantine.
On 23 March Gaza’s Ministry of Islamic Awqaf and Religious Affairs announced a complete closure on all Gaza Strip mosques in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus.
