The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) has issued Directive to instruct all mosques in Singapore to cease all operation and services so as to effect a TOTAL closure of mosques from Friday, 13 March 2020 12.00 am to Tuesday, 17 March 2020 11.59 pm as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 situation.
The directive that was penned by Mr Helmy Md Isa Senior Director, Mosque and Community Development of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, is instructed to take effect immediately.
This directive follows the confirmation of Singaporeans being tested positive for COVID-19 who participated in a religious event held at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur from 27 February to 1 March 2020.
MOH has identified Singaporeans who attended the event. It has been determined that the participants from Singapore are also frequent mosque-goers and regular congregants of some mosques.
PRECAUTIONARY ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
As a precaution against potential further spread of the virus and to protect other mosque-goers, mosques in Singapore will be closed from Friday 13 March 2020 to Tuesday 17 March 2020. Mosques will be closed for cleaning and disinfecting to curb the spread.
During the closure, there will be:
- No Friday prayers on 13 March 2020.
- No daily congregational prayers.
- All mosque activities including lectures, ALIVE/ ADIL classes, Mosque-Based Kindergartens will be stopped from 13 March- 27 March 2020.
- Other community events e.g. weddings etc. will cease.
A review will be conducted on Monday 16 March 2020 on the state of hygiene and cleanliness at the mosques before the order to re-open mosques is given.
To maintain some critical mosque services, mosque staff can work from home and conduct work online as an alternative to physical contact.
Mosques are to make the necessary arrangement to ensure the security of mosque premises during the shutdown.
