RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has reopened 17 mosques that temporarily closed for cleaning after COVID-19 cases were detected among worshippers. Coronavirus infections have led to 1,419 mosques in the Kingdom being forced to close in the past 112 days. All were reopened after sanitization measures were completed. The ministry said on Saturday that seven mosques were reopened in Riyadh, four in the Northern Borders, three in Madinah, two in the Eastern Province and one in Jazan. It added that cleaning measures were carried out for the safety of worshippers. The ministry urged visitors and mosque employees to follow precautionary measures, including wearing face masks, using personal prayer mats and maintaining social distancing protocols.