Windsor's Muslim community will be able to once again go to mosques, starting Friday.
Despite Windsor-Essex still being in the Stage One phase of reopening its economy following the pandemic-fueled shutdown, places of worship across Ontario can reopen this weekend regardless of the region in which they are located. However, capacity for reopening is limited to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
With that, the Windsor Islamic Council announced that a limited prayer schedule is being implemented at its Windsor area mosques.
"We would like to welcome our community back by holding Friday Prayer this week Inshallah," read a media release from the council. "The government announced the reopening of all mosques with physical distancing in place and attendance limited to no more than 30 per cent of the building capacity to ensure the safety of worshippers. Women, children under 13, and high-risk groups pray at home."
At the Windsor Islamic Association mosque on Northwood Street, prayers will resume with a single one at 2 p.m., the Fajr prayer. Construction around the building has made access difficult, so those who live far away from the Northwood mosque are encouraged to visit other mosques in the city. Capacity has been limited at the mosque to 200 people at a time.
At Al-Hijra Mosque on Howard Avenue, prayers will be held at 1:25 p.m. in Arabic and English, and at 2:25 p.m. in Arabic. Capacity has been limited to 200 here as well.
The Rose City Islamic Centre on Empress Street will hold prayers at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. for those who have pre-registered. One hundred people are limited at one time at this mosque.
At all mosques, worshippers must practice physical distancing at all times. Touching, handshakes and other physical contact is discouraged. People are asked to bring their own prayer mats and wear a mask. Washrooms will be closed so worshippers are asked to wash hands before leaving home. Prayers and khutbahs will be limited to 15 minutes each.
Complete information on prayer schedules and procedures at each mosque can be found at each individual mosque's website or Facebook page.