Qatar shuts mosques amid coronavirus concerns

Cairo: Qatar has announced cancelling congregational daily and weekly prayers in mosques and closing them beginning Tuesday noon as the number of coronavirus cases in the country has jumped to 439.

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs said the measure includes will remain in place until safety is guaranteed for worshippers as part of precautionary steps against the spread of the virus, Qatar’s news agency reported.

Calls to prayer, however, will continue to be made at the mosques, according to the agency.

The measure is the latest in a string of precautions taken by Qatar as it combats a steady rise in the coronavirus. The country is due to halt all flights coming to Doha for two renewable weeks starting from Wednesday evening.

Authorities have advised Qataris and foreign residents against travel.