Congregational prayers to be allowed in inhabited islands, except seven.

Congregational prayers have been suspended since March 18, in all inhabited islands, as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus. This ban has been extended several times and while the latest extension is to remain until May 28, authorities on Thursday announced the decision to allow prayer gatherings in islands that do not have any Covid-19 restriction measures in place.

Details of how and when congregational prayers will be allowed in islands have since been released. As such, congregational prayers in islands where monitoring status have been lifted will only be allowed 14 days after the measures are removed. The Islamic ministry noted that this is as per the counsel of the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

The ministry also stressed that prayer gatherings on any islands currently under monitoring are strictly prohibited.

There are currently three islands under monitoring, they are; capital Malé City, Narudhoo island in Shaviyani atoll and Manadhoo island in Noonu atoll.

Four islands are yet to pass the required 14-day period after measures were lifted. They are; Himmafushi and Thulusdhoo islands in Kaafu atoll, Thakandhoo island in Haa Alif atoll and Milandhoo island of Shaviyani atoll.

The Islamic ministry’s decision comes after authorities announced plans to ease Covid-19 precautionary measures.