Ministry of Islamic Affairs has decided to conduct all prayer congregations in the Greater Male’ Region with social distancing measures.
In a press statement released on March 1, the Islamic Ministry said discussions have been held with religious scholars regarding the safety of prayer congregations amid the current surge of COVID-19 cases in the capital. The ministry stated a decision was made to conduct prayer congregations with social distancing measures, as suspending prayer congregations altogether would have a negative effect on the public. Therefore, the ministry said all mosques in the Greater Male’ Region will be conducting socially distanced prayer congregations, starting from March 2.
The Islamic Ministry further stated the new measures will be maintained until COVID-19 cases are brought under control. The ministry said normal prayer congregations will resume as soon as it is deemed safe.
Furthermore, the Islamic Ministry has also instructed mosques to remove all carpets, and to clean the floors thoroughly before every prayer. Mosques have also been instructed to ensure air circulation by opening doors and windows.
The Islamic Ministry has also urged individuals attending prayer congregations to carry their own prayer mats, and to wear face masks. The ministry also urged individuals displaying flu-like symptoms not to attend prayer congregations.
Prayer congregations in the Greater Male’ Region were suspended for several months last year due to COVID-19. Prayer congregations resumed after COVID-19 cases started to decrease.