Egypt's Awqaf Ministry on Tuesday halted all Ramadan activities, including Tarawih prayers, during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Across Egypt, Tarawih, which has a special place among Muslims, is performed after Isha prayers during the holy month.
In a statement, the Ministry said that the decision came as a part of the efforts exerted by the Egyptian state to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
It also banned for-free Iftar banquets, a tradition Muslims take part in to provide food for the poor during the holy month in the vicinity of mosques or their surrounding space.
The ministry added that mosques would remain closed during the holy month as long as coronavirus cases are detected in the country.
It also added that the mosques would be opened when the Ministry of Health reveals that there are no coronavirus cases in Egypt.
It also warned anyone form violating the decision, saying that anyone, who violates the decision, will be punished.
It is worth mentioning that the holy month of Ramadan is set to start on April 24.
On March 21, Egypt suspended the holding of daily prayers and the weekly Friday prayers for two-weeks as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus.
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