WATCH: 500 mosques reopen as Qatar begins gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions

As Qatar prepares to kick-start its four-phased plan of the gradual lifting of restrictions in place against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has confirmed that at least 500 mosques across the country will be reopened from June 15.

The Ministry published a list of mosques (available in Arabic here) in various areas of Qatar including: Abal Heeran, Bin Omran, Bu Sidra, Bu Hamour, Ezgava, Al Salata Al Jadeeda, Umm Saneem, Umm Al Amad, Umm Salal Ali, Umm Salal Mohamed, Gharrafat Al Rayyan, Umm Qarn, Umm Lekhba, Al Luqta, Bane Hajer, Bu Sidra, Al Khor, Al Kheesa, Al Ruwais, Al Rayyan Al Jadeed, Al Sadd, Al Sudan, Al Shahaniyya, Al Azeeziya, Onaiza, Ain Khaled, Al Gharrafa, Madinat Khalifa South, Legataifiya, Al Mirqab, Al Meshaf, Muaither South, Al Wajba, Al Hilal, Al Wakra and Al Wukair.

You can also find the nearest open mosque on this website, Awqaf tweeted yesterday.

Earlier, in another tweet, Awqaf said, “We inform you that the mosques will be reopened for prayers (with the exception of Friday prayers) starting from next Monday, June 15, and a specific number of mosques which will be announced later, according to specific precautionary measures illustrated in this video."

بفضل من الله نبشركم بإعادة فتح المساجد للصلوات (بإستثناء صلاة الجمعة) إبتداء من يوم الاثنين القادم 15 يونيو وبعدد محدد من المساجد سيتم الإعلان عنها لاحقاً، وذلك وفق إجراءات إحترازية محددة يوضحها هذا الفيديو.#وزارة_الأوقاف#سلامتك_هي_سلامتي #لأجل_قطر_كلنا_في_البيت pic.twitter.com/9RnJhfiM3N

— وزارة الأوقاف - قطر (@AwqafM) June 8, 2020

While these mosques will be opened during Phase 1 of the plan, the Ministry urges worshippers to follow the mandatory guidelines and procedures to ensure their safety as well as that of the community.

Awqaf highlighted some procedures for worshippers to follow and keep safe. These are:

- worshippers will be required to make ablution at home. The bathroom and ablution places of the mosques will remain closed.

- worshippers should avoid going to the mosques earlier than the prayer time, as the mosques will only open with the call to prayer. 

- worshippers must also avoid crowding the mosque and keep a distance of two meters from others.

- shaking hands even with gloves on must be avoided and worshippers should cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

- to enter the mosques, worshippers will need to show their Ehteraz app.

- worshippers are asked to bring their own prayer mat and refrain from sharing it with others or leaving it in the mosque.

- while in the mosques, all worshippers need to wear a face mask.

- worshippers are also asked to bring their own copy of the Holy Quran, which should not be shared with others.

Furthermore, Awqaf also confirmed that in the third phase, from August, 54 mosques in the country will be allowed to hold Friday prayers.

Finally, in the fourth phase, which starts in September, all mosques will be opened for prayers, including Friday prayers.

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar, the public can contact a 24/7 hotline set up by the Ministry. The hotline number is 16000 and is toll-free.

Here's everything you need to know about the virus, including ways to protect yourself. 

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