Congregational Prayers Canceled in Italy Mosques amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Mosques in Italy have canceled congregational prayers and other gatherings until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Mosques in Italy have canceled congregational prayers and other gatherings until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

According to alyaoum24 website, Islamic organizations and mosques in the European country have released statements cancelling prayers, especially in mosques and religious centers in northern parts of Italy, in an attempt to prevent the spread of the disease.

The statements also urged Muslims to follow instructions from health and medical authorities and take prevention measures.

Italian authorities have announced sweeping closures in the country’s north as they scramble to contain Europe’s biggest outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Italy’s confirmed cases surged from three on Friday morning to more than 200 by Monday.

The majority of coronavirus infections worldwide are concentrated in mainland China (with more than 77,100 cases), followed by Japan (840) and South Korea (833). Italy’s spike now marks the biggest outbreak outside of Asia.

Five people have died and at least 219 others have been infected with the virus in Italy, Angelo Borrelli, head of the country’s Civil Protection agency, said at a Monday news conference.