Turkey Bans Congregational Prayers in Mosques Due to Coronavirus

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Turkey suspended congregational prayers in mosques until the risk of coronavirus outbreak passes.

Speaking to reporters, Ali Erbas, the head of Turkey’s religious directorate, known as Diyanet, on Monday announced a ban on prayers in congregation, including Friday prayers, in mosques.

He said, however, that the mosques will be kept open for individual prayers, Reuters reported.

Turkey identified a total to 18 coronavirus cases, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Monday. The government has ramped up measures to halt the spread of the virus, closing schools and universities, holding sports events without spectators