Jakarta mosques reopen after closure to curb virus

Muslims in Indonesia’s capital held their first communal Friday prayers as mosques reopened at half capacity after they had been closed to curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak for nine weeks. "Today it feels extraordinary, where we can fulfil the call of Allah to perform Friday prayers at the mosque," said Rismal, a worshipper at Jakarta's At-Tin Mosque.

Authorities checked body temperature and sprayed hand sanitizers at the entrance to the mosques. Police and soldiers ensured the faithful observed social distancing and wore masks. Worshipers were asked to bring their own prayer rugs and were expected to stay at least 1 meter (3 feet) apart with no handshaking. Sermons were shortened. Indonesia has reported 28,818 confirmed cases and 1,721 fatalities.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick. President Joko Widodo said his administration wants Indonesia's economy back on track but safe from the virus. The government is gradually deploying 340,000 security personnel to enforce health rules as the country gradually lifts restrictions by the end of July.