MANAMA — Bahrain has suspended all prayers and religious events at mosques for two weeks, effective from Thursday (Feb. 11), the Bahrain News Agency reported late Tuesday.

Friday prayers and sermons will continue to be aired live from the Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre, in the presence of a limited number of worshippers.

The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments announced the two-week suspension, based on the religious opinion of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) and in line with the recommendations of the National Medical Taskforce for Combating COVID-19.

The ministry said that the move, which was coordinated with the Sunni and Jafferi Endowments Directorates, aims to protect elderly people in light of spiking infections. In a statement this evening, the ministry announced that the decision will be subject to periodic review, based on developments.

Bahrain on Tuesday recorded 759 new cases of COVID-19 alongside 660 recoveries and four fatalities, according to a statement from the country's health ministry.

The ministry also reported a total of 6,131 active cases and 46 out of which were in critical condition. — SG