Al Aqsa mosque to be closed indefinitely
JERUSALEM: Authorities meanwhile announced that the Al Aqsa mosque in Arab East Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam, would be closed indefinitely due to concerns about the outbreak, with prayers continuing to be held on the sprawling esplanade outside.
Similar measures have been taken at the nearby Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews can pray.
Outdoor prayers continue, but only 10 people at a time are permitted in enclosed areas, in keeping with measures taken by the Israeli government.
Sheikh Omar Kiswani, the director of the Al Aqsa mosque, said the closure of the mosque and other buildings on the compound, including the iconic golden Dome of the Rock, would continue indefinitely.
Palestinian officials said President Mahmoud Abbas, who is 85 years old and has age-related health issues, is no longer receiving any guests as a precaution, and is only meeting with a couple of very close aides.
Most of his staff have been asked to work from home.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity. The Palestinian Authority has reported 38 coronavirus cases in the West Bank.
In Lebanon, police used loudspeakers to order people to evacuate the city’s famous Mediterranean boardwalk.
The small country, which has reported 99 cases and three deaths, has already closed all restaurants and nightclubs, halted flights from several countries and tightened border controls.
President Michel Aoun urged citizens to work from home and avoid socialising to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“Each of us is called upon to continue his work, from home, in the way he sees appropriate,” Aoun said in a televised address at the start of a cabinet meeting that was expected to declare measures to deal with the outbreak.
Lebanon’s banks will close until March 29 as part of steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Lebanese media reported.
The bank closures are in line with government measures were announced on Sunday.
Israel imposed sweeping travel and quarantine measures more than a week ago but has seen its number of confirmed cases double in recent days, to around 200.
On Saturday, the government said restaurants, malls, cinemas, gyms and daycare centers would close.