Iran begins reopening mosques despite coronavirus concerns
Mosques across 132 "low-risk" cities reopened in Iran under strict guidelines meant to ensure social distancing.
Iran has begun reopening mosques in “low-risk” parts of the country as health officials claim a downward trend in the number of coronavirus cases reported during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
In a televised statement Sunday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced mosques in 132 cities across Iran would open their doors Monday.
"Social distancing is more important than collective prayer," he said, stressing that mosques should only be used as “recommended” by authorities.
Mosques and key religious sites were closed nationwide in early March, prompting mobs of angry Shiite hard-liners to storm holy shrines in the cities of Qom and Mashhad.
