The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has recommended that mosques stay closed for another month due to the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus.
"In light of the special situation in our province, where the Western Cape has 65% of national infections and 70% of national deaths, we strongly encourage masajid (mosques) to remain closed for another month," the MJC said in a statement on Thursday.
However, it added that mosques that were able to "afford, implement and rigorously enforce safety and sanitary procedures" should open"within the limits allowed by Level 3 regulations".
Staggered approach
The MJC recommended that mosques within hotspot areas not open at all and that people aged 60 and older, as well as those who have underlying conditions, should not attend.
It recommended that mosques which want to open on 1 June, do so with the full knowledge that they can comply with safety regulations.
