Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque in Madinah was reopened to the public on Sunday after being closed for two months to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In the initial stage of the reopening, the mosque which is also called the Nabawi Mosque only holds 40 percent of the total number of worshipers during the normal condition, the Saudi Gazette was quoted by Indonesia Window as saying here on Sunday.

The Prophet's Mosque is reopened along with 90,000 other mosques throughout Saudi Arabia, except those in Makkah.

The decision to reopen the mosques was part of the kingdom's plan to gradually lift social restrictions until it reaches normal conditions.

Before entering the mosque, every person has to pass a body temperature measurement procedure.

In addition, a number of guidelines to prevent COVID-19 transmissions should also be applied by worshipers, namely taking ablution at home, washing hands properly, and using cleaners before going to the mosque and after returning home.

The elders and those suffering from chronic diseases, as well as children under the age of 15 years old are advised to pray at home.

Reading books and the Quran is recommended to be done through an application on cellular phones or from copies of personal properties.

People who pray at the mosque are also advised to bring their own prayer rugs and keep a distance of two meters between one and another, wearing health masks as well as avoiding handshakes and crowds in the mosque.

Reporting by Indonesia Window