Husain Mohamed – 04/06/2020 

As countries around the world continue to ease coronavirus restrictions, Mosques reopened for daily prayers and children returned to nursery schools on Wednesday in the Gaza Strip.

The territory, with about 2 million Palestinians, has recorded 61 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and one death during the pandemic. Gaza’s borders are tightly controlled by Israel and Egypt and all infected patients were in quarantine facilities at the borders.

After a 2 month closure, Muslim religious authorities in the territory have allowed Friday prayers in mosques. Mosques will now be open to worshippers every day. Imams and community leaders have been instructed by authorities to keep sermons and prayers brief as a health precaution. Precautionary measures are in place as well, with worshippers having to wear face masks, bring their own prayer mats and maintain social distancing.

Social activist in Gaza, Issam Hammad, told Radio Islam that the pandemic was controlled from its arrival in Gaza.

“Alhamdulillah, COVID-19 has been controlled from the first day in Gaza. Borders have been closed from early March therefore COVID-19 has not entered Gaza city, itself.”

He added that infected individuals were quarantined immediately.

“Actually, we have 61 reported cases of COVID-19, but they are all in areas that have been designated for this purpose.”

Gaza authorities also ordered the reopening of pre-schools, for children between the ages of two and five.

Listen to the full interview here: