Al-Aqsa Mosque closes its doors as a precaution against COVID-19

The Islamic authority that supervises Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem has announced on Sunday that the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of Rock in Jerusalem would be closed as a preventive measure against the novel coronavirus, according to Reuters.

“The Islamic Waqf department decided to shut down the enclosed prayer places inside the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque until further notice as a protective measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus,” Al Aqsa Mosque Director Omar Kiswani said.

He also stated that outdoor prayers will still be allowed at the complex that houses Islam’s third holiest site.

Nations across the world are taking preventive measures against the global pandemic. The worldwide death toll from COVID-19 now exceeds 5,700 people with more than 152,000 cases globally.