Banbury Mosque to reopen for Friday Prayers with safety steps in place

The mosque already reopened to the public on Saturday July 4, but Friday July 10 is the first time it's to reopen for the Friday Prayers.

With help from a local security company the Banbury Mosque has installed walk-through fever detectors and hand sanitiser stations at its entrances in preparation for the reopening of its mosque.

In line with the government easing lockdown and the reopening of places of worship, they have installed walk through fever detectors and hand sanitiser stations.

A spokesperson for the mosque said: "These systems will assist with the detection of those with a high temperature therefore protecting the health and wellbeing of our Masjid (Mosque) users."

The mosque paid for one of the fever detectors and hand sanitiser stations and a second one was donated by the Banbury-based security group, Westminster Group, a global solutions and security company.

Abu Hassan Hanif, chairman of the Banbury Mosque, said: "We have had every nook and cranny sanitised by Banbury Pest Control.

"We would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding through this difficult period, and may God almighty, most kind bless all of you."

The mosque has set a number of other steps and rules that must be followed before people attend the Friday Prayers or other services at the mosque.

The steps that must be followed include:

●Ablution/ toilet facilities will remain closed until further notice. Please perform Ablution at home to avoid any disappointment.

●You must bring along with you a prayer mat, face mask and a shoe bag. It is strongly advised to wear socks too.

●Only persons of the age of 16 to 70 year olds are permitted to attend the Masjid (mosque). Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms must remain at home. It is strongly recommended not to park your car at the Masjid car park.

●For track and trace purposes your name and contact details shall be noted before entry in to the Masjid.

●If your temperature exceeds the government guidelines you shall not be permitted to enter the Masjid.

●Hand sanitisers have been provided by the Masjid and have been placed at all main entrances.

●Please ensure you wear a face mask whilst at the Masjid at all times. We will have a one way system in place. No hand shakes or hugging will be allowed.

●Please follow instructions by the stewards at the Masjid. Once inside the prayer hall you must lay your prayer mat on the designated markings and complete all your Salah on the same spot.

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