RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance on Friday temporarily shut nine mosques in four regions after coronavirus cases were confirmed among worshippers. Virus cases have led to 373 mosques being forced to temporarily close in the past 47 days, with 357 reopening after sanitization measures were completed. The ministry said that four of the mosques were in Qassim, three in Riyadh, and one in each of the regions of Tabuk and Al-Jouf. Ten mosques have been reopened in Riyadh, Jazan, Tabuk, Najran, and the Northern Borders region. The decision came after precautionary measures, including sanitization and maintenance, were carried out. The ministry praised the cooperation of worshippers and mosque employees in complying with health and safety requirements. Authorities will continue to sanitize and clean mosques, and implement measures to ensure the safety of visitors, the ministry added.