KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has decided to lift a four-month ban on Friday prayers at mosques this week after taking all necessary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the local media reported on Tuesday. Officials have, however, warned that mosques will be closed again if worshipers fail to adhere to the rules. According to the reports citing an official, the decision would include more than 1,000 mosques across all governorates. Mosque doors will open 30 minutes before the call to prayer and close 15 minutes after with the sermon and prayers not exceed 15 minutes, according to the reports citing the decision. Worshipers must wear face masks at all times and entry and exit areas will be indicated by signs on the ground organizing the location of each worshipper during prayer. As part of the decision, preachers have been instructed to remind worshippers of abiding by health and safety measures, like social distancing, to wear facemasks and to stay home if they experience any symptoms. Those currently on quarantine will be denied entry, according to the official, who urged those with weakened immune systems or with chronic illnesses to stay at home. Water fountains and toilets will be shut with seats and door handles routinely sanitized, he added, with worshippers required to carry out their pre-prayer wash (wudu) at home. People must bring their own prayer rug, with handshaking or close social interactions discouraged inside the mosque. Children under the age of 15 will also be denied entry.
