Jordan Allows Friday Prayers After Drop in COVID-19 Infections

Jordan Allows Friday Prayers After Drop in COVID-19 Infections

Jordan decided on Sunday to lift the ban on Friday prayers, despite the curfew imposed on Fridays.

Worshippers will be allowed to leave their homes on foot for one hour on Friday to attend the prayers, the government said.

This comes in light of the remarkable drop in the number of coronavirus infections in the kingdom during the past few weeks.

The cabinet issued a statement noting that the Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Places will determine this hour, provided that worshippers abide by the approved health protocol.

Last week, the government decided to allow public movement on foot for 30 minutes to perform Fajr and Maghrib prayers in mosques during Ramadan, provided that they abide by the health protocols.

On March 10, the government decided to ban Friday prayers following a surge in the numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths.

It also decided at the time to add the night curfew hours, ban holding Sunday mass, and close public parks, nightclubs, and sports centers.

However, the kingdom saw a downward curve over the past few weeks, recording only 3,509 infections and 62 deaths on Monday, compared to 6,649 cases and 60 deaths earlier in March.

Universities and schools are still closed in Amman, which will