Masjid Musa open for sala

Worshipers gather for Friday prayers at the Masjid Musa in Mvita Constituency, Mombasa County. [Joackim Bwana, Standard]

Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions by the government, places of worship in the port City of Mombasa have begun to reopen.

Among the most notable ones was the iconic Masjid Musa that is located in the sprawling Majengo area of Mvita Constituency.

Activities at the places of worship countrywide were suspended on April as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Mosque committee members said they had complied with the rules put in place by the Ministry of Health, in consultation with Interfaith Council.

They added that they had ensured faithful maintained social distancing, washed their hands with soap, wore face masks among other regulations.

Body temperatures checked

Committee members, led by Ustadh Khalfan Keah, said body temperatures were checked before faithful were allowed into the mosque.

"We are in full compliance with the guidelines as set out by the Health ministry and the special interreligious committee in efforts to curb spread of the virus," Ustadh Khalfan said.

He said those aged below 13 or above 58 were not allowed in, but encouraged to continue saying their sala from home until the coronavirus disease is controlled.

Mr Shaban Islam, another mosque official, said the faithful were also required to stand 1.5 metres apart and were not allowed to exceed 100 in their congregational prayer sessions.

Meanwhile, church services at the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Mombasa will officially resume on July 25, according to a communique by the church.