Egypt intensifies anti-COVID measures at mosques ahead of Ramadan

CAIRO – 16 March 2021: Egypt has intensified preparations at mosques as the holy month of Ramadan approaches, in line with the precautionary measures set to avoid the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mass night prayers during Ramadan (Taraweeh) will be permitted in some mosques with the adoption of preventive measures against Coronavirus. Those mosques will be allowed to provide religious lessons and lectures, which will be broadcast via electronic platforms and social media.

The Ministry of Endowments distributed a leaflet to directors in governorates to prepare a list of the mosques, in which Friday prayers are held, and Tarawih prayers will be held in accordance with the decision of the Minister of Endowments, Dr. Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa.

Tarawij prayers will not be allowed to be held at any other small mosques or mosques at universities, in which there is no licensed imams or preachers.

In case of any violation, legal measures will be taken against the violators, and prayers will be banned at the violating mosques.

The Ministry of Endowments directed directors of directorates and imams to hang informative publications in mosques urging worshipers to adhere to precautionary and preventive measures, like wearing masks, keeping spaces between worshippers and bringing personal praying mat.

Mosques will be opened only 10 minutes before prayer, and will be closed immediately after the end of the prayer.