Coronavirus: Portsmouth Jami Mosque closed because of Covid-19 outbreak
LEADERS behind a Portsmouth mosque have announced its closure as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Worshippers were said to be saddened after Portsmouth Jami Mosque secretary, Nazim Ahmed, confirmed the news on Friday afternoon.
The centre is at the junction of Victoria Road North and Bradford Road, in Southsea and can accommodate more than 1,000 people.
Nazim said: ‘First of all on behalf of Portsmouth Jami Mosque I would like to say our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and the seriously unwell from this epidemic around the world.
‘We at the mosque had already been advising the worshippers about how to keep clean, safe and all necessary information that the government were giving out.
‘We recently stopped all children's classes and advised the elderly and the unwell to stay away from the regular prayers as well as restricting most other activities including shortening the Friday prayer today.
‘As of today we are announcing the temporary closure of Portsmouth Jami Mosque to the general public for everyone's safety until further notice.
‘We wish everyone to stay safe and listen to and abide by the advice given by the government as it's very important we work together to get through this very tough and testing time.’
It is understood figures from the mosque remain available for worshippers seeking advice or help.