Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock will shut their doors as a precaution against coronavirus, Islamic religious authorities said on Sunday, while outdoor prayers will still be allowed at the complex that houses Islam's third holiest site.
"The Islamic Waqf department decided to shut down the enclosed prayer places inside the blessed Aqsa mosque until further notice as a protective measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus," the director of Al-Aqsa mosque, Omar Kiswani told Reuters.
"All gates [to the holy compound] will remain open to worshipers," he added, meaning that Muslims can pray outside in the open-air courtyard surrounding al-Aqsa Mosque.
The compound houses al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock and is worshipped by Muslims as the site from where Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told dpa that the gates to the compound were only briefly closed, but reopened after coordination with Muslim officials.
Across the Middle East, efforts to stop the coronavirus are shaking up daily life, with countries restricting travel, postponing elections and even shutting down large parts of society.
