Saudi Arabia suspends prayers at two holy mosques amid coronavirus crisis

• The development is part of the Kingdom’s measure to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Coming as extraordinary measures in unprecedented times, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has suspended the holding of daily prayers and the Friday prayers inside and outside the walls of the two Holy mosques in Mecca and Medina, two of the most sacred sites in Islam.

The development is part of the Kingdom’s measure to limit the spread of coronavirus. “The Presidency and the security and health authorities decided to suspend the presence and prayers in the outer squares of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque starting tomorrow, Friday, as part of precautionary and preventive measures to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus,” said The Spokesperson for the General Presidency for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Hani bin Hosni Haider, reported SPA.

The Spokesperson said that the presidency, in cooperation with the security and health authorities, is taking many precautions in accordance with the highest standards to prevent the spread of infection, and preparing the Two Holy Mosques to perform prayers in a safe and healthy environment, stressing that the awareness and cooperation of the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques will contribute to the success of the temporary precautionary measures, calling on everyone to cooperate with officials and to respond to instructions and necessary procedures.

The mysterious COVID-19 has claimed over 10,000 lives while over a quarter of million persons are affected by it in more than 150 countries including Pakistan, where the number of coronavirus cases has exploded to over 400, with Sindh province the worst hit.