Jordan mosques reopen after 7-week closure

After an 11-week closure to stem the spread of the coronavirus, Jordan's mosques reopened their doors on Friday amid strict health measures. The decision was announced by the government last week, allowing attendance to noon prayers on Friday only and also allowing churches to reopen on Sunday. Authorities amended curfew measures so that people could go to mosques on foot. Contrary to tradition, worshippers sat far apart from each other and had to bring their own prayer mats. They also wore face masks.

Jordan's government imposed a lockdown in mid-March aimed at containing the virus, halting travel and public gatherings, and forcing private and public sectors to close. Many of the restrictions have been lifted gradually in recent weeks as the rate of new infections has significantly declined. Jordan has recorded 765 cases and just nine deaths from the coronavirus.