Physical distancing rule scrapped in Kuwait mosques

Worshippers in mosques will no longer maintain physical distancing from Sunday as part of relaxing several restrictions against COVID-19 in the country, Kuwaiti media quoted Islamic authorities as saying.

The administrative circular was issued by Badr Al Oteibi, the ministry’s assistant undersecretary for mosques sector announcing the reinstatement of the rule in mosques starting next Sunday, Al Jarida newspaper reported.

The Kuwaiti government on Monday announced lifting most anti-coronavirus restrictions after a significant decline in the virus infections in the country in recent days.

Worshippers will again go shoulder-to-shoulder as they perform the congregational daily and Friday prayers in mosques, according to a circular from the Ministry of Awqaf (religious endowments).

However, worshippers will continue to observe health requirements including the wearing of face masks, using personal prayer rugs. Unvaccinated worshippers are, moreover, urged to get the stipulated doses of inoculation against the highly contagious disease.