News / coronavirus
Bristol mosques remain closed in united effort to combat spread of Covid-19
Muslim leaders in Bristol have taken the “painful” decision to keep the city’s mosques closed in a united effort to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Places of worship were allowed to reopen when lockdown ended on December 2, but with the city currently under tier 3 restrictions, it was felt the risk was too great and as such mosques will remain closed until at least December 16.
In a joint statement, mosque leaders say they did not make the decision lightly but hope the steps they have taken will act as “a beacon of hope and inspiration” to other communities across the UK, adding: “We feel if our united effort even saves one life, it will indeed be worth it.”
The decision has been praised by city and health leaders, who said their actions will undoubtedly save lives.
Bristol’s mosque leaders have made the joint decision to temporarily keep mosques closed
Reflecting on how coronavirus has affected so many people within Bristol’s diverse Muslim communities, the Council of Bristol Mosques said: “This decision has been made in a united effort and with responsibility to protect all our communities and to protect the NHS.
“We should not be compared with other cities as there are different factors with different community settings that define Tier 3. We can only make a decision for our Muslim communities here in Bristol for whom our mosques take responsibility.
“We are proud that our Bristol’s Masajid leadership have taken this step to act as a beacon of hope and inspiration to other communities across the UK. We feel if our united effort even saves one life, it will indeed be worth it.”
The decision to keep the mosques closed will be reviewed before December 16 and mosque leaders will also keep working with the NHS and council to help minimise the infection rate within communities.
https://twitter.com/CllrAsherCraig/status/1333558255352766464
The director of public health for Bristol City Council Christina Gray said: “I would like to thank the Bristol Muslim community for taking this very important decision not to reopen the mosques while Bristol remains in tier 3.
“With local rates remaining high, this decision will undoubtedly save lives and protect the NHS. I fully realise how painful it is for the communities not to be able to congregate for prayers and I thank you on behalf of Bristol for what you are doing.
“This is community leadership of the highest order and most noble intent.”
Main photo by Ellie Pipe
Read more: Meet the people behind a multi-language video communicating vital coronavirus advice
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
