Muslims in South Korea to reopen mosques from May 6

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - Muslims in South Korea on Monday decided to reopen mosques as of Wednesday, as the country reported no locally transmitted case of the coronavirus for the third day in a row.

With boost in confidence about overcoming worst of COVID-19 pandemic, the Muslims in South Korea on Monday announced to open mosques for worshippers.

In a statement, Seoul-based Korea Muslim Federation said that mosques will be opened for congregational Friday prayers and special late-night prayers (Tarawaeeh) during the ongoing Muslim holy month of Ramazan.

The federation, however, asked the Muslims of the country to follow government measures against the COVID-19 and maintaining a one-meter distance during prayers.

“All Muslims should follow all conditions which may prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the statement added.

Following the outbreak of the pandemic, the government had asked religious communities to reduce gatherings to help stem the spread of the deadly infection.

The federation has asked the Muslims to use hand sanitizer, wear face masks, and register themselves before entering the mosque for records.

The government has also decided to gradually begin opening schools from next week.

Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the country’s total number of confirmed cases rose to 10,801 after eight more imported cases of the deadly infection were reported on Monday.

Two more patients died due to the virus, raising the toll to 252.

Some 9,217 coronavirus patients have recovered making up 85% of the total number of infected persons in the country. South Korea has conducted 633,921 tests since Jan 3.