Kuwait reimposes covid measures for mass events

Amid a spike in infections and the emergence of the new omicron variant, Kuwait has reimposed COVID-19 measures in mosques and marriage ceremonies.

The government banned all kinds of public gatherings in closed places as from Jan. 9 until Feb. 28.

Worshippers visiting mosques are now required to maintain social distancing, wear facemasks, bring their own prayer mats and avoid direct contact, state news agency KUNA reported.

Mosque officials must also keep doors and windows open during sermons and prayer times. There must also be a time-cap of 15 minutes to Friday afternoon sermons, the report said.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments), Farid Emadi added that all worshippers have also to use their personal prayer rugs in mosques.

“The new precautious decisions taken by Awqaf come upon instructions of health authorities after the increase in coronavirus infections in the last days,” he told Al Anba newspaper.

In marriage contract-writing ceremonies, only six individuals are allowed to attend beginning Jan. 9.